Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-02-01
EVENTS OF A WEEK

EVENTS OF A WEEK
The most important decision made by the supreme
council of the peace conference during the week was with
reference to the future of the former German colonies
In the first place, it has been definitely decided that
in no case shall the colonies be restored to Germany. That
decision, while important, lacks the element Of consun-
ing interest, because it is merely the formal recording by
an Official body of what has all along been taken for
granted by the whole world. 1t would have been out of
the question for the victorious powers. after having DIS
possessed her of the colonies which she had misused and
misxoyerned, to hand back those colonies to Germany,
whose primary purpose in holding them was to use them
for the promotion Of her schemes for military domination.
and whose entire colonial history has been one OF con-
sistent brutality and oppression. That those colonies
once wrested from Germany, should be Germany's no
longer was accepted everywhere outside Of Germany, and
even there It is likely that there existed little expectation
that the colonies would be returned.
That much being practically settled from the begin
ming, It remained to determine what disposition should
% made Of those territories and the millions of people
who inhabit them. In view Of the vociferous demands
that once were made for the immediate independence OF
the Philippines it is a little strange that there was not
long since started a campaign for the self determination
Of tho German colonies. The Inhabitants of German
East Africa, for instance, or Of New Guinea, are not more
dtve=se in language, character and intelligence than the
Inhabitants Of the Philippines, and would be as likely
to set up and carry on a successful government as would
tho inhabitants OF the Philippine archipelago when the
demands for such a course were loudest. However. II
such q plan has been entertained anywhere. 1t has not
made ats appearance before the peace conference.
Tho plan that has been decided on, at least ten,a-
lively. by tho conference. is to Internationally the colon
.cn, that Ia, to hold them subject to the direction of an
International league. or commission. entrusting the adj
r,tnistrat fOn Of their affairs to the nations which. by rea.
son Of oontiguity or otherwise, may be supposed to be
hes. fitted for such work in each particular case. This
tecision Is one Of the two which were regarded as possible
solutions Of this problem. The attempt at complete in
naturalization in, the case Of the Congo district was
sagarded as such q complete failure that this plan mas
~, been considered at all. The two plans actually con-
asdered were the one adopted and that of transferring
complete sovereignty to the nations which it was desired
sfould undertake the work Of administration.
The plan thus far approved was ardently championed
IL President Wilson. Unanimous agreement on it seems
to have been reached, SO far as the delegates who con-
stitute the supreme council are concerned. and the plan
is said to have the approval of the South African repre-
sentattves. 1t has been opposed, however, with strong
emphasis and a good deal of bitterness by the Australian
delegation, neither of these delegations, of course. having
4 direct representation on the council.
y AT this distance, and from the angle Of this paper,
4 the proposed plan seems much less desirable, and much
less likely to work well than the definite and final dis
L tribution of the colonies among the powers which could
I most conveniently administer their affairs. trusting to
the honor and the enlightenment Of those nations to see
/ to it that such administration were of a character which
would have due regard for the welfare Of the primitive
! peoples which must indefinitely be held under guardian
{ ship. Nevertheless the assent of the five great powers
must count for something, and some special weight must
i be given to the fact that the plan has the approval Of the
Il representatives Of Great Britain, the greatest colonizing
II power in all the worlds history, and Of the representa-
I tives OF South Africa whose location gives them a very
4 definite interest in the problem.
As evidence Of the differences Of opinion on the
subject OF the colonies we have the expressions of several
& British newspapers which, in effect, charge the British
ministry with sacrificing the interests Of the empire.
d Though how or why is not explained, and the denuncia-
ZION OF the approval plan by Senator Borah on the floor
N#of the senate. However correct may be Mr. .Borah's
belief that the plan adopted is not the best one. the rea-
son which he advances for this belief is not one which
IL does credit to his conception Of American duties and re-
1 sponsibilHies In substance. Mr.. Borah opposes the es,a>-
Z nshment OF m international suzerainty over the COLONIES
4 because that would involve the United states in member
ship in the league or commission which would be neces-
slry for the carving on Of the work. II that is the raaht
i American spirit. Il America has no interest in the settle
nasnt 81 these questions, and no duties with reference to
Athe rorld, then our participation in the peace conferences
q 4 sbiunder. and our participation in the war has been
KLAMATH RIVER some. Bar count,
R# HIIL. RE SEEN ny .an e s 81 the 60,