The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1919-02-12
CROSSING ON A sHAKY BRIDGE.

Premier Clemenceau has conferred great favor upor
the people of the United States by discussing frankly thu
situation in which the world finds itself today after three
months of the armstice He finds that it is inaccurate
that there is lull in the storm He does not sugges
stOppage of the process of sending American troop
sons that whenever France or any other fire.
people is threatened the whole world will be ready +
vindcate its liberty M. Clemenceau does not overloo
the danger that lies in the absorption of Russia by Ger
many But for President Wilson's assurance that Americ
stands ready defend France "here might be danger
reOpening of the military debate by Germany"
What do these measured words mean, if they are no
solemn admontion to the United States not to be to-
cocksure of victory and too hasty dismantng the
power of the country? Coming from the lips of N
not words of tmidity excessive apprehension. The
are like searchlight showing the road upon whic
the nations travelling and revealing the dangers tina
are ahead.
The possibility of another war; greater than tina
which has left Germany apparently broken, will exist
long the Germans are able to dominate Russia. al
that the Germans need be found in Russia and Rus
sas added those Of Germany would supper
an unconquerabe army The allies now give evdenc
of concerted action aimed at the breaking of Germany
hold upon Russia, and if this action is prompt and thor
ough great danger to the world will have been removed
VII TY-.Aol l. = AZ e
certainty this interval which is neither peace
Obviously, it would be unwise to shuttle off all the wa
gear if it possible to do 1t impossible
Two three hundred thousand must be kept in Ger
many, and many must be kept hand to re
leve them. The navy must be kept up and enlarged
Munitions must be kept fresh and abundant The United
States must be from this time forth fairly welarme
nation capable of putting up stiff fight short notice
or no notice at all
In the business world all suspense and apprehension
largely because it is not clearly understood that tn
United States not at peace. President Wilson and
Clemenceau unconsciousy added to the confusion Of
mind when they said the war was over. They should
have said the fighting The United States i:
not at peace and business will do we'll to keep thai
fact in mind They need the unified power Of the gov
ernmen the war power to help them along to the time
when there will be actual peace Times are abnormal
and will be abnormal until there is longer any peace
conference. And when will that be?
Even the peace conference shows signs of becoming
begerent The latest reports hint of increasing dsSen
sion, rather than agreement
oil for oh uctin Tho fal
of relying solely upon the law Of supply and demand If
reaching normal conditions is as absurd the yawp Of
demagogues who cry, Bring the boys home" The gov
eminent must help industry to the shaky bridge
between and peace. Since knows what prices
should be and therefore does nothing the government
should ascertain the facts and publish them abroad so
that everybody will know what prices ought TO be- In,
dusry will 20 forward as soon as it has footing OF
known and stable prices, matter how high the prices
may be.
While the worlds statesmen are wrestling with the
problem of making peace among lot Of wounded and
aroused nations the United States government be
most useful to its people by helping to remove the OBJ
stace to the free flow of business energies The people
anxious to get to work in producing expanding build
ing and lettering their condition The government can
help them by ascertainng just and fair prices in the
basic industries and basic commodities not prices
prices but reasonable prices for everyday domestic
business at this tme matters stand at home and in
Europe.-WashingtOn Post.
The exercises this afternoon concentrating the birth
7 70 md