New-York tribune., 1919-05-22
Washington Thinks
Enemy Is Bluft1ng
Viems Request for an
Extension Of Time as
Proof Foe viii Sigr,
Neap York Tribune
KnShinnton RMrenn


WASHINGTON, May 21.-The state
ment issued in Berlin that Germany
would not sign the peace treaty is
taken in Washington with a liberal
grain of salt, in view of later dis
patch from Paris of the request by
Count Won Brockdorff- -Rantzau, head
of the German peace delegation, for
an extension of the time allowed. which
would have expired at p. m. to-mor-
row.
The best opinion here is that the
statement put out in Berlin carried
by The Associated Press was for prop
aganda purposes, and should not be
taken as final. In Administration
circles it is confidently predicted that
Germany eventually will sign.
The actual terms imposed on Ger
many, If separated from the league Of
nations covenant and other portions
of the treaty not directly affecting
Germany, probably would be heavily
Endorsed if vote were taken in Con
gress. The movement of a few rad-
calls to obtain modification Of the con-
dltions imposed on the Huns has
gained very little support on Capitol
Hill.
Some Would Welcome Renewal
The differences of opinion and the
bitter objections to the treaty, such as
voiced, for example, in the statement
issued by Senator Henry Cabot Lodge
Republican leader Of the Senate, have
nothing to do with the terms against
which Germany is protesting.
Army officers, in discussing the pos
slbility of Germany refusing to sign
the treaty, say Marshal Foch would be
amply able to deal with the situation.
There are some army officers and some
civilian officials in Washington who
actually would welcome q resumption
of hostlities with Germany. They
would deplore, they say, the additional
loss of life which would ensue, but the
moral effect Of only a brief period of
renewed hostilities would be more than
worth the sacrifice.
They say the result would be that
the absurd contention OF the Germans
that their army was not defeated, but
simply stopped rather than continue
sacrifice, would be shattered, and the
result would be that the conceit as to
the invinciblity Of German arms
would be ended for all time to come.
Foch Has Ample Forces
Furthermore, they point out, the
hghting IN case Of renewal of hos
tilities would all occur on German soil
and the German people would get
taste OF what war is, and this would
nave q wholesome effect. Their only
regret is that the armistice interval
intervened, and that Marshal Foch did
not realize his dream of great mill
tary victory last November.
The weakening of the Allied forces
by the withdrawal of hundreds of
thousands of men, and their mastering
out of the army, it is declared, have not
been sufficient to cause any serious
alarm in the event of Germany at
tempting by military force TO extricate
herself from her present position
Inns possibility, it is declared, has
oeen carefully guarded against, and
Marshal Foch has now sufficient force
TO rout any German force which could
confront him and march in triumph to
Berlin.
Several Senator'S, in discussing the
situation tonight, expressed surprise
that lhere was not stronger menace,
IN the German statement from Berlin,
OK tho Bolshevik possibility. They hold
the opinion that If Germany does re-
fuse to sign, she will not attempt to
oppose Marshal Foch with troops, but
that the present government will turn
the country over to Bolsheviki.