New-York tribune., 1919-05-13
Germany's Economic Disabilities

The wherefores of the disposition to
exaggerate the economic disabilities laid
by the peace treaty on Germany are not
difficult to trace.
Elements that still subtly affect Amer
ican opinion continue dutifully to take
cues from Germany. Germany whim-
pers, whines and yells. The 'hollerin'
and bellerin'," to use a phrase of Law
renee Godkin, is in full chorus. This
was to be expected. 1t will not be pos
sible to get the terms changed. But fail
ing this it may ultimately be to Ger
many's benefit to pose herself as vic
tim Of hate and selfshness. Therefore,
Ebert shouts that it is sweatshop peace,
enchanting the Fatherland to wicked for
eign capitalism.
Then there are those whose nerves
have been sorely tried by six months of
Presidential divagation, by the turnings
and twistings of battling diplomacy
whose mystery has not been penetrated.
1t is normal and human, in view of the
manufacture Of phrases about economic
equality, for tendency to quote the
President against himself to display it.
self, even although to yield to it gives
implied countenance to the newest Ger
man propaganda.
But disregarding both the German
noise and the criticisms of those who sus-
pect everything that comes via the Pres
ident's hands, let us consider only the
text of the treaty summary vouchsafed
to us. What are the precise disabilities,
aside from those incident to reparation,
Of which Germany complains?
One looks vainly for clauses that in
any gross discriminating way limit or
prescribe Germany's industry, her i'm
port Of raw materials or her export Of
goods. Germany may produce all she
can and freely sell where able to obtain
customers. She may not, for a short
period, raise her import duties above the
level of 1914, and for five years in re-
spect to Alsace-L Lorraine, and for three
years in respect to districts ceded to
Poland, impose tariff barrier, but this
operation is due to established local in
terests, and seems quite as much for the
welfare of her own nationals as for the
welfare of other nationals. The treaty
is full of provisions prohibiting German
discrimination, but these are for the
protection of the Allies rather than for
the hobbling Of Germany Speaking gem
orally, it may be said Germany is given
equality of trade rights. In future
domestic legislation the victors over Ger
many may discriminate against her
(there is no guarantee against this), but
the treaty itself sets up no discrimina-
ton.
With respect to reparation and the
return Of stolen machinery, burden Of
course is indirectly laid on German in
dustry But this was unavoidable if
Germany was to pay. AS consequence
OF the war the industry of the Allied
countries will also sustain heavy
weight. The per capita debt Of France.
Tor example, promises to be as great as
that OF Germany. The merchant ships
surrendered, the sums owed to Germans
abroad which are to be sequestered, the
patents cancelled--these are all in the
way Of liquidation of actual damages
Even the coal deposits Of the Saar are
70 be estimated, and for every ton Ger
many 10 to have credit on the legitimate
French damage bill.
Incidentally. the military provisions
under which Germany may not have
conscription, and may maintain only
small army end feet, will lift great
burden from German industry. Nearly
million Of her most robust citizens will