South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-10-29

most the troubles 1t Paris. and cF-
cry one OF the really serious crises.
arose not out or amy differences of
ziew regarding the terms 90 Doe i'm
posed upon Germany, but out OF
decp-seated and often bitter dis
agreements among tho allies them
selves Throughout the six troubled
months Of the conference the ce3ter
and focus Of the struggle was the
conflict between PRIEST Wilson. de
handing settlement upon broad
principles (Which everyone had ac-
ceptedl and the other allied powers
demanding various material reim-
bursernents OF advantage
War United Allies.
While the war was still I'm prog
ress necessity united the allies. ev-
oryone accepted Mr. Wilson'S plan
of settlement and welcomed his
strong leadership-foB three rea-
sons
First. because his principles APP
peaIed 20 the great masses OF the
world as good IN themselves. as
the true. reasonable and honest
basis of settlement This tended TO
disarm opposition of the radicals
fin all European countries who
were becoming more ana more
restless with the bloody continue
ton OF the war
Second. because a hearty ac-
ceptauce Of the American idea,
and American leadership helped
TO bring America with her vast
H.
= into the war.
" Third. because Wilson'S diplo-
macy tended 10 divide and weak
en- German support Of the war.
National shell shock.
The moment the war ended in an
unexpectedly complete victory. the
high purpose and the unified spirit
of the allies began 20 fade away
They were not. after all. united ma
tions Each had its strong loyalties,
its ambitions. its necessities. and
those Immediately began to assert
themselves. In the high moments
of inspiration and enthusiasm Of the
war men had begun 10 believe in
miracles: when il was over they
found themselves back N the old
worId-and more than that. in a
state of exhaustion and demoraliza-
tion which someone has characteriz-
ed as national shell-shock. II must
never be forgotten that it was in
'this atmosphere Of national she'll
shock. exaggerated appearances, ex-
aggerated fears, that the treaty was
made.
The president undoubtedly came
10 Europe filled with great hope and
faith. His plan of settlement, his
fourteen points. had been widely ac-
cepted and commended throughout
the world He believed that and has
always believed IN the power OF
moral ideas. the very statement of
them. and their approval by masses
If men. He had a triumphant pro-
cress throughout Europe-there was
nothing ever before like il in the
world Never was there such a
demonstration in Paris as on the day
we saw him driving down through
the Arc de Triomphe. was in Italy
Va the fall OF 1918 before he came
His picture was in every shop-win-
dow. IL was even said that the peas
nnts burned candles before It. quo
ratsons from his speeches were in
every newspaper and on every dead
wall. he was worshiped with an
abandon which was truly Italian
His prestige everywhere was enor.
rnous-and II was the prestige not
Of a great soldier, not even of q
Ereat political figure. but of a mora
leader. He came 20 Europe consCi
Gus % his own high aims and Of the
real disinterestedness of America
ClemenCcau a "Snag.
Even before the peace conference,
met. however certain ommou,
things happened
At the same time that Wilson wa.
making ssnEuine speeches i'm Eng
land regarding the League of VA
lions. Clemenceau was telling IN,
chamber Of deputies in Paris that n,
stiu believed in the oId-fashione,
system OF alliances as the only wa,
or safety for the world and notable
French leaders were advancn.
claims which would. n granted dc
feat the very principles 10 which IN,
allies had agreed az the armistice
4 little later the British election
returned a heavily conservative par
lament endorsing "a hard peace will
Germany, and defeating some Of sIr
Wilson's strongest supporters On tn
house OF commons Tn Italy Their
began 20 be talk OF the wide eNpan
SION Of italy in the Adriatic and else
where And finally the Novemle
elections In America which return
cd "a congress I'm opposition 10 th
president and tho attacks made ur
on him BY various republican lead
ers in tho senate. tended 10 weake
his influence az Paris To anyou
who had been in Europe during On
ST. year OF the war. before the peac
conference began as had hcor
rhis change Of attitude toward Wi
son among tho leaders CUot anon
the people, was most evident.
Put on Hard Problems.
so sooner had the pence confer
ence got down TO business. ~ittir
within the double-doored. sound
nroof room in the French foreic
Office than the struggle began au
IL esntered at once upon an issue be