The Goldfield news and weekly tribune. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1911-1947, 1919-10-04
OUR "MIXING IN"

q
This weeks developments with respect of the disposition
TO be made of the port of Fiume indicate in unmistakable man
nr the tendency on the part of European governments and
peoples to completely abandon the American theories advanced
by Mr.. Wilson at Paris concerning the adjustments of terri
torial boundaries, and the resumption of the former practice
of forcible establishment Of national boundaries in such
fashion as will contribute to the security and independence of
the powers interested.
The Italians, under the leadership of one of their popular
heroes, Gabrielle dAnnunzio, propose to establish physical
control of Fiume by military operations, this to be followed by
annexation to Italy through the action of the citizens of the
city itself. Garibaldi yesterday in Paris declared that Italy
was in possession and considered that question settled by this
fact.
Inasmuch as all Italy is intent upon establishing its
claims to Fiume, and as a majority OF the residents OF the
city itself are italians and DESTROYS of becoming an integral
part of the Italian nation, there does not seem to be any real
obstacle in the way of this program, unless France, England
and the United States interpose 0ne. Are the allies ready TO
use force to compel acquiescence in their theories concerning
the disposition of Fiume? Judging by what has happened in
Hungary, they are not. If they do not at once act, and act
effectively, the whole theory of Mr.. Wilson and his League
falls to the ground.
Thus while we, in America, have been engaged in an
academic, rather vituperative, discussion Of the part America
should play in European affairs, Europe, without effective re-
sistance, has been setting aside the theories which underle
the league, all of which are based upon a willingness OF gov
ernments and peoples to subordinate selfish purposes for the
common good, and by the employment OF force and arms are
setting about making boundaries to suit themselves.
Taken altogether, our first attempt to impose American
ideals and American theories on Europe has not been a con-
spicuous success. AS a result of this effort, well-meant but
obviously impractical, we have succeeded in alternating all OF
our erstwhile associates except Great Britain. Great Britain
is still our friend because England recognizes the necessity for
her of a good understanding between the two great English
speaking countries of the world and-we consistently yielded
to every demand which England made at Paris. The cordially
of Franco-American feelings has been seriously impaired
because we have refused to agree to a natural barrier-the
Rhine-as against renewed German assault, and ~interposed
our objection to compelling Germany to pay France her full
war bill of indemnity and reparation.
Similarly, the Italians cannot understand why we object
to Fiume, an Italian city, becoming a part of the Italian nation,
but, on the contrary, propose to give it to a people who We're
our enemies in the war. The good feeling toward America
Immediately following the armistice has utterly disappeared,
and there are not wanting plain indications that Italy will soon.
seek a renewed alliance with Germany.