The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1919-02-11

north Russia ana what they are ex-
pected to do there Is still much Of a
mystery and it engaged the attention
Of the American senate last week when
Senator Johnson Of California vigor.
ously attacked the policy, or lack of
policy, of the administration in this
matter. The course that Is being pur-
sued is equally dlspleasing to many
Britishers, and the French never did
approve Of 1t.
One important point concerning pay.
ment by Germany is reported to have
been settled by the peace conference.
1t was decided that while Germany
must make full reparation for unjusti-
fable damage done, she and her asso-
ciates will not be called on to pay
heavy indemnities to reimburse the VIC
torious nations for their war expenses
Nor will Germany be compelled to re-
linquish the indemnity she took from
France in 1871. Belgium's reparation
claims will have first consideration,
and perhaps those of Serbia will come
next.
On the eve Of the assembling Of the
German national convention in Wei
mar, the Ebert government seemed
firmly seated in the place Of power,
though there was possibility of com.
binations that would dominate it. The
Spartacans were in hopeless minor
ity, however, and there was every Nrea-
son to believe the revolution" would
run the course laid out for 1t by the
,Old-time leaders. who never have relin.
.quished control actually. That The
change of form of government has not
wrought mira culOus change of tn
German heart or the German intention
to rule is the opinion of General Gou-
'raud, the French commander. as 1t IL
of many less we'll informed persons
This view is borne out by the .ncreas.
ingly insOlent attitude Of the con.
quered Huns, and by their naive sur
prise and Indignation when they rea
liked that they might not be admitted
to membership in the league Of nations
Immediately and ON an equality with |
the nations that saved civilization |
from their criminal assault.
A French expert has summarized the |
policies of the present German govern
ment as follows:
INTERIOR. Complete unity. 2. Redi-
vision Of the nation for administrative
purposes into number Of departments
Of equal size without
taking account of the present divi-
siOns.
Exterior. The annexation of Ger
man Austria. 2. Opposition to the for
nation of a strong Poland.
The annexation Of German Austria
may be baked by the formation of the
proposed Danube confederation of all
the states along the Danube, including
German Austria and Bulgaria, for 1t
Is figured that If Germany is permitted
to annex the part Of Austria she covets
she would be stronger than ever in ter
itory and population. =
A good deal Of excitement and some
were stirred up in Amer
ca by the announcement of British
embargo on many imports effective
darch l. Among the commodities
lamed are numerous American prod
tets, and those who seek to arouse
ntagonism between the United States
nd Great Britain were quick to accuse
he British Of starting a trade war.
lore reasonable persons recognize
hat the embargo IL an emergency
MEASURE to help England in the re-
abilitation Of her industries and that
is undoubtedly only temporary. At the
anne time, American business men
'ere aroused by it to TIE necessity Of
'oking after our own place in world
'ade.
Great Britain Is having a serious
me with the labor problem. Several
workers in England, Wales
nd Ireland have quit, either for more
ay or for shorter hours without re-
uction Of wages. Belfast seems to be
the worst predicament, for business
nd transportation are virtually sus-
ended, riots are frequent, shops are
ling looted every night and the city
In darkness.
In the United States appropriateness
r peace Is at the bottom Of a great
al OF unrest concerning the unem-
oyment Of returning soldiers. States
ID communities are getting busy,
'wever, and 1t Is hoped that soon {
ere win be positions for all. at least
good as those they left to serve
cir country. !.