Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-03-22
EVENTS OF A WEEK

much earlier than it was at one time supposed would be
possible, and whereas at one time it was not. expected
that the peace agreement would be ready for action be-
fore June, it is not predicted that the elimina treaty
may be ready for signature by the end of this month, and
the final treaty a very little later. According to the
reports from Paris it has now been definitely decided
that the provisions for the league of nations shall be en-
bodied in both the preliminary and the final treaty. A
report was current at one time that the preliminary treaty
would not deal at all with the question of the league. but
Immediately after his arrival in France President Wilson
sent word that he would use all his influence to secure
the inclusion of the subject in both treaties. This, also,
has been announced as the desire Of the British delega-
ton, and, while the wish Of the other powers has not
been stated in detail, the plan seems to be acceptable to
all OF them, for it has been unanimously agreed on.
The preliminary treaty, the authorities say, will not
require the approval in form Of the governments of the
nations involved. 1t will be, in a way, something between
a formal treaty and the armistice under which the ma
lions are now working, and, as such, may be concluded
as a working arrangement by the representatives of the
several nations, to be in force until the formal treaty is
framed and approved by the home governments.
The league constitution in its final form will be diff
ferent from the original draft, for the definite statement
has been made that the committee in charge has been
engaged on the work of revision. But, while changes
VIII PpSu ~ 10 pAdSSASoA SiS0 lA0I SHc ldl 4VAAu
and general principles of the original document will be
retained. 1t has not been stated in what particulars
changes are likely to be made, and these may not be an
nounced until the work is done.
The conditions in Germany remain confused and OBJ
scure. The provisional government seems to have gained
the upper hand Of the sparacan element completely, but
while the rebels seem to be unable to make a successful
stand against the government anywhere, they are able
IN q tho uthoritio a h i,no h., ortjn ,rd
" strikes and springing rebenions first at one point and
then at another. The food situation is acute in many
places, according to the statements Of Germans and the
evidence of outsiders who appear to be familiar with the
facts. and it is freely predicted that unless peace is con-
cluded and food made available very soon the spirit of
Bolshevism. which is active everywhere will sweep all
before it.
There has been stin fighting between the Allied
forces in northern Russia and the Bolshev,k armies there,
and the latest reports from that district are Of severe
reverses sustained by the BolsheWiki, who are reported
to be oficered by Germans. In Siberia, where there are
some thousands of American troops. disturbances have
broken out in several localities, and resentment at the
presence of American soldiers has been expressed by the
popuace. With or without justification, these disturb
ances have been attributed in some of the reports to the
activities Of Japanese agents. These are said to represent
the miitaristic element in Japan, which is reported to
fear the effect Of continued occupation Of Siberia by
American troops on Japanese interests.
The situation in southern Europe is also complicated.
There the new province. or nation, of Ukrania seems
to be largely under the domination Of the Bolsheviki, in
spite of the efforts that have been made to establish a
government on a sane basis. There as elsewhere in Eu-
rope the food situation has much to do with the political
developments. Starving people are likely to adopt the
course which seems most likely to give them food. and
Ia matters Of bargain and rale = - = -><
count.
Opposition to the plans for . league of nations il be-
ig organized. and there has been created an association
tor the purpose OF creating sentiment against the league
as now proposed: The organization. which is nonpartisan
in character. is headed by, Henry Watterson, q veteran
Democrat, and among it's conspicuous members are sena-
tors Rsed and Sherman. respectively Democrat and Re.
publican. The purpose Of the society is TO carry on a
campaign throughout the country by means OF speeches.
pamphlets, etc, in the hope Of securing backing for the
rejection Of the league constitution when it 10 presented
for ratification in the senate. In the meantime former
President TAFT and other eminent men Of both parties
are actively at work setting forth the importance Of ac-
ceptsnees OF the league constitution, even IL that il some.
thing aIess than perfect. ~ .
Asgthe time approaches for the country to 70 drv
arst under the presidents orders under authority con-
ferred on him for war purposes, ana second under the
federal constitutional amendment, steps are heinz taken
~ the brewing and dist,ling interests to obtain from
the courts exact definitions OF the legal status. The
hrewsrs have been advised by Their counsel to proceed
swnh the manufacture Of besrt having an alcoholic con.
taets of not mors than 27s per cent, this being hsld tS bs
n confcrnnity With the ruling dsciatons Of the courts !,
~ shax percenssgs o. alcohol makes : beverage intoxi.
Sstins. On behalf Of All ne liauer Interests steps ars
alss bslns tsksn g coatest the federal ny amspAmsn,
81 NnSer the form IN which IL hAss beana aAonfaA a.~...
Esf - gvhoss I~sstslatess havs rasifis1 he aa.sad.