The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-04-19
BRITISH RESIGNED
TO PEACE BY INCHES
Lull Follows Political Storm
Caused by Lloyd Georges
Speech.
COMMON SENSE COUNTS
People Convinced That Only
Force Will Keep Germans
in Line.
Special caoie Despatch 10 TEE Sun and tie
Public Ledger.

Special Cabie Despatch 10 TEE Sun and tie
Public Ledger.
COPYRIGHT, 1919; all rights reserved
LONDON. April 1s.-Pending publica-
ton OF the peace terms, after they have
been submitted to Germany. there is
likely to be lull in England OF the
popular pressure which eliminated in
Wednesdays events in the House of
Commons. That those events win have
profound effect on British politics
within twelve months appears to be the
general belief. for the break between
Premier Lloyd George and Lord North
cliffe appears to be wide.
But politicians and voters are proven
bially quick to forget, so in the pres
ents indefinite complexion OF British
parties it would be hazardous to proph-
esy.
1t is recalled that the Premier's cleo
ton pledges against a soft peace were
only forthcoming as a concession to a
storm OF public opinion which gathered
force as the election proceeded. That
the Peace Conference discussed the more
until Europe began to take fire-for in
stance, Hunsary-and the British and
French peoples rose to demand settle
ment Of real pressing issues is judged a
reasonably fair and accurate statement
OF the case by at least some Of the best
Informed observers In Paris.
Public IL waiting.
The public here is waiting. Great
business problems are also waiting The
war for four years was fought by inches
Peace seems to be coming ny inches and
the return to normal conditions of life
and trade is just as painfully SLOW.
Some important features Of the nations
life. for instance railroadipg conditions,
are as cramped and disjointed as at any
time during the war. A quick return to
business as usual has not happened and
to this fact many shrewd political writers
ascribe the recent Government defeats
at by-elections.
The one thing above all holding the
country together il the solid, logged
common sense Of the average worker
coupled with THAT peculiar sense of
humor which proved such a powerful
factor in the British infantry during
even the darkest months of the war.
1t is the ability of the Britisher to make
the best OF bad job-a humor ex-
pressive OF a fatalistic touch in the
Anglo Saxon characteristic tends to
create staying power.
In the mean time the League of Ma
lions has almost been lost sight Of The
average man at the moment regards II
with Indifference. much as just one more
| Hague conference. But there is no doub,
whatever that the people, while regard.
| ing II now as remote, do earnestly de.
| sire 10 see it esta blished and grow. But
| they think II has yet to prove itself. The
last five months have not increased pub.
| lie confidence In the promptitude ant
efficacy Of concerted international action
Indifferent Toward Foe.
A. to whether the Germans will sign
| the peace or not find a wide belief thar
II makes little difference. They will
observe II, signed or unsigned, only a!
| much as they are compelled to. TIL,
extent of any compulsion apparently ha.
not been the subject of any considera bl,
| discussion. Few here believe the Ger
mans have undergone the slightes
change OF heart or character, and
often hear the question. How long d,
you think II will be before the mex
war"
| That il where interest in the Leagu
OF Nations begins, as the only hope o
the future. possibly the not very dis
tant future. So Wednesdays explosiv
scene in the House OF Commons leave
| things as they were. AS a matter O
fact there is no man to take the Pre-
miers' place; therefore there is no i'm
mediate object in forcing political issue
and the future OF Europe is so uncertain
that no one can predict what the grea
political issues even month hence ma,
be. 1t is very literally peace by inches