Vernon Parish Democrat. (Leesville, La.) 1917-193?, 1919-06-28
81 EDWARD W. PIcKARD.

Germany's contemporaries were
successful at least so far as causing
temporary division in the big four, but
at this writing it seemed likely an
agreement on the disputed points
would be reached within a few days
and a unanimous reply made to the
Germans. That some alterations, not
fundamental, would be made in the
treaty was predicted, since 1t only re-
manned to gain the consent Of Gle
menceau to changes favored by the
British and presumably by the Amer
leans These included the readjust4
ing OF the Silesia clauses so that
the population may obtain self-deter-
mination, probably through plebi-
scite; reduction Of the period Of occu-
patton along the Rhine from fifteen to
ten years; and the addition of some
plan by which the Germans shall have
the use Of a certain amount Of mer-
chant shipping with which to resume
trade and help pay the Preparations.
The endeavOr among the allied dele
gates was to assure the world that
such changes as might be made in the
terms were contemplated not in the
way of leniency to Germany, but to
make the conditions WORKABLE" and
bring about a speedy peace and re
sumption of normal business every
where. Clemenceau and the rest of
the French were said to be strongly
opposed to any changes. Lloyd George
was reported as favoring concessions.
President Wilson, after first standing
aloof, taking the position that the
British and French should come to an
agreement among themselves, under
took to reconcile them, and as some of
the alterations had been favored by
American delegates his task was main
" to persuade the French. Orlando's
attitude was not made clear. He was
more interested, anyhow, in the settle
ment OF the Adriatic question.
In view Of his prediction pledgea,
the position taken by Premier Lloyd
George Is surprising until one consid-
ers the fact that he is the head of a
very shaky and unwieldy coalition
ministry, which even now Is threaten
ing TO go to pieces. The liberal and
labor elements in England have been
urging greater leniency toward the
Germans in order that the treaty may
be signed and calmness be restored to
the Industrial world, and 1t is fair to
suppose that the premier has been
trying to placate those elements. We
hement denials by the British press
and attacks by British correspondents
on American correspondents who have
made public the state Of AFFAIRS will be
taken for what they are worth.
While the allied armies Of occupa-
ton are ready to move forward at a
moments notice If the Germans refuse
to sign the treaty, the Germans them
selves are not idle in the same line.
Noske, minister Of defense, has made
a tour Of the coast defenses and dl.
rected all forces to be ready for emer-
gencles in case OF the resumption Of
naval operations. and the fortifications
near the borders have not yet been
dismantled as the treaty requires. The
German volunteer army. much Of
which IS IN the eastern part Of the
country is 80 large and so well equip.
ped that Il must be taken into serious
consideration. Only recently the su-
preme army command sent out q circu-
lar asking the people Of GeFmany
whether they favored the resumption
oe the war. and when the government
called Won Hindenhnrg to account for
thin be had a ready excuse which was
far from "a apology.