Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-04-01
THE Ia POINTS
CREATES Ia QUACMIRES
Cupidty and Selfish Aggression in Paris
Primarily Responsible for Perilous
FIoundering and Delays

1
THE world which stopped fighting on
- November II, 1918, had specific and
tangible basis of peace. This founda-
ton, which then seemed so solid, origi-
mated in the fourteen points of settle
ment set forth by President Wilson.
Two features of them, relating to free
dom of the seas and reparations, had
been revised. Other stipulations had
been amplifed and clarified by the Presi-
dent himself. Nevertheless, the world
was justified in believing that the corner
stone of peace had been dedicated with
the consent of all the belligerents,
friends or foes; that the plans for the
completed structure had been unani-
mously accepted.
Apart from the joy with which man.
kind signalized the cessation Of slaugh
ter on that November day, there was
deep spiritual rejoicing at the prospect
that the world would soon be remade.
For the first time in more.than four and
half years the warning peoples of the
earth were in acknowledged agreement
not only on the ethical fiber of peace,
but upon very definite and practical con-
ditions frankly outlined.
Multitudinous details remained to be
adjusted. Ostensibly that was why the
Paris conference was called. But if
Germany had meant what she said and
if her conquerors We're sincere the really
vital substance Of peacemaking had been
disposed of. The sessions, therefore,
started with an enormous advantage
over all similar deliberations in history.
The virtue Of the preliminary condi-
tions was that they were apparently
workable. To claim perfection for them
was, of course, absurd. Humanity can
not attain that state. But, supported by
tremendous military pressure, the elab-
Grated and defined fourteen points did
bring about the armistice. 1t was pre-
sumed that they would inspire the peace
and that with so much already accom-
plished the peace would come within
| reasonable time.
If all the restiveness and impatience
| which is abroad today were merely be-
cause the conference has been sitting
for five months, such irritation would be
unwarranted. With the utmost harmony
| conceivable the prodigious labors of the
delegates and committees are necessarily
time-consuming. Five months, or even a
year, to rearrange affairs on this planet
would not be an extravagantly lengthy
| period, provided constructive work on
the right principles were proceeding.
But the present peril is of another
complexion. 1t is born primarily of
cynical dissensions concerning matters,
the vedict upon which was solemnly
passed. In other words, every serious
obstacle raised is in reputation of the
fourteen points principles. Every major
deadlock contravenes obligations for
mally subscribed to before the conferees
met.
| 1t is this dangerously stupid and crab
like procedure which warrants alarm
even by persons sufficiently we'll bal
anced not to chafe at negotiations merely
because they are protracted.
! Fortunately, the remedy is just as
clear as the fault. If diversion from the
fourteen points produces confusion and
delays, it is self-evident that adherence
to them must bring order and progress.
! 1t is no eXaggeration to maintain that
every departure has been a trouble
breeder. There have been fourteen quag
mires.
First quagmire: Open covenants Of
peace were not openly arrived at, de-
spite American protests against secrecy.
Naturally, revival of the old hugger-
mugger policy Of diplomacy was a boon
to nalign rumor mongers and selfish
propagandists who have been such a
pestiferous vexation in these uneasy
| times.
Second quagmire: The evasion of the
| freedom of -the-seas issue begun in the
period of the armistice notes created
IAngfo-American disturbances, which,
though greatly allayed since Mr.. Wilson
first arrived in Europe, occasioned for a
while critical situation by which Ger
many would have been rejoiced to profit.
| Third quagmire: "The removal of
economic barriers" was tardily done, and
to the serious stimulation of Bolshevism
in Europe.
Fourth qudgmire: Adequate guaran-
tees that ornaments will be reduced to
the lowest point consistent with national
safety" are held up on all sides, nowhere
with more purblindness than in the po-
litical intriguing in America against the
league-of-nations pact.
| Fifth quagmire: "A free-minded and
absolutely impartial adjustment of all
colonial claims" has been delayed, and
once again the opposition to the league
pact is blameworthy, although selfish
imperialistic ambitions are also dis
reputable factor.
| Sirth qudgmire: "Such settlement
Of all questions affecting Russia as will
secure the best and freest cooperation
I of an other nations Of the world In oh