The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1919-02-03
BY VICTOR McNAUGHT.

pondence) - Weeks probably Will
elapse from the time this Is written
before anything like a really def1nlte
and final program will emerge from
the peace conference. 1t may be OF
interest, therefore, to quote the views
of a leader OF conservative English
opinion, Mr.. A. H. Mann, editor OF the
London Evening Standard. While not
speaking in an official way. Mr.. Mann
probably reflects the views OF such
men as Arthur Balfour and Bonar
Law, Likely enough these opinions are
undergoing process OF mooerauoh'
but American readers may at least
gather from them an idea OF the con-
sentative outlook upon peace.
A mutual friend arranged luncheon
engagement for Mr.. Mann and me.
We proceeded at once to inform each
other each other Of the public feeling
in our respective countries.
"You have seen how the English
people received President Wilson,
said Mr.. Mann. There isn't bit
of doubt about his great popularity
here. We have some fear. though.
that idealism that fits America SO well
may not be altogether practical on this
side. For example, we hear talk OF
a plan to form League of Nations
first, and then make peace terms after
ward. That would not suit us at all.
Germany is not repentant, and still
maintains that her armies were not
beaten. A proposal that Germany
should be admitted at once into a
League Of Nations would arouse great
antogonis mhere."
While no one else can speak for the
president, ventured to assure Mr..
Mann that Americans had no idea
that Mr.. Wilson would venture upon
such a program as had been suggested.
Opinion in America seems to favor
admitting Germany into a League of
Nations only after Germany has peni-
tently proved her fitness to belong.
A long time might elapse before this
could come about.
Mr.. Mann outlined some of the
things that conservative Englishmen
hope to see come out OF the peace
conference.
Germany should be made to pay a
big indemnity" he said, IAN indemnity
that would require fifty years to liqui.
date. In the meantime, Germany's
war debts should be made to wait
Perhaps it would be repudiated. We
don't care.
1--WE favor an export tax on German
manufacturers. That is to say, the
German government should tax every
thing shipped out of the country, and
devote the proceeds to the indemnity.
This would mean a ten-hour day for
German workingmen, as against the
eight-hour day in other countries, |
suppose, but that would be a part of
the penalty that the German masses
would have to bear for supporting the
war;
France requires guarantees against
German aggression in the future. Ger
many should not be allowed to hold
any bridgeheads on the west bank OF
the Rhine. I think that all German
territory west of the Rhine should be
taken and held by France for at least
ten years.
IF the Germans cannot pacify them
selves and come to some agreement,
believe the allies should intervene
in Germany, seize Berlin, and set up
stable government.
THE same thing goes for Russia.
The Bolsheviks are a menace to the
world, largely on account of the pos
sibility of their uniting with the Ger
man Reds and defying the civilized
nations. We should have armed in
PREVENTION in Russia, to end only when
a strong government has bee argan-
ized
1--WE cannot oppose CONSUMPTION in
France. There is much talk of disarm-
ament and universal brotherhood. but
l believe in powerful navy for Great
Britain and as strong a French army
as France wants. Germany might in
augurate some system of military
training which would enable her to
organize a very effective army, NOM
intally of volunteer forces, for service
at some propitious time. Remember,
the spirit of revenge is going to be
rampant in Germany for years to come.
France cannot afford to take chances"
l suggested to Mr.. Mann that Ameri-
can sentiment, at least a certain por-
ton OF public opinion, tends to the be-
lief that the world would be safer if
Germany is not given any valid ground
for an internal propaganda of revenge.
His own view, however, was that the
allies terms should be so drastic that
military plans should be made in adj
vance to smother vengeful outbursts