South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-18

TO mark time until PreS't WllSOl
in the United States.
While the foundation for the
peace settlement has been firmly
laid, the conferees realize that the
structure cannot be completed with
out the guidance of the spokesmen
of the people totally disinterested in
European affairs. Work on the de-
tails of various problems will con-
tinue in the presidents absence. but
it is understood no momentous de-
cisions will be made until he again
takes his seat at the peace table.
probably the middle of next month.
Wilson is Umpire.
The peace conference formally
I opened just a month ago today. In
/ that month events moved faster
than even the most sanguine dele
gate believed possible. Yet there are
countless problems, large and small,
of which the conference has barely
scratched the surface. In the solution
of these, the conferees will be con-
fronted by constantly overlapping
and conflicting claims, necessitatinS
the presence Of an international UNI
pire for which office Pres't Wilson
is admitted by the cOnferees them
selves and the European peoples as
well. to have qualified.
The constitution of the league of
nations, recognized as the ground
work of the entire peace settlement,
has been completed. But the draft
is at best a tentative affair. When
it comes up for debate in the gen.
eral peace congress ii is believed
practically certain that some amend
ments will be made. Meanwhile the
( league is before the court Of public
opinion and is sure TO be discussed
| by the parliaments of the various
signatory nations. Inasmuch as these
1 parliaments will be required to ratify
the treaty of which the league con-
stitution will be a part, they are ex-
pected TO attempt some modification
/ or extension of the text before ac-
cording il their approval. Parliamen-
/ tary ratification of treaties in some
countries is not mandatory. of
course, but in the case of the pend
! ing peace settlement all precedent
J will he waived in favor of this dem
! ocratic custom.
Make German Army ImpOtcnt.
The menace of militarism appar-
! emily has been removed, so far as
the enemy countries are concerned.
The new armistice terms accepted
I c. nd
to render her absolutely imDotent
in a military way, while her allies
have been helpless since they first
signed their respective armistices.
/ Militarism. as applied the asso-
ciated powers, is still practically an
unsolved problem. The league of ma
tions draft provides limitations Of
ornaments TO the lowest point con-
sistent with national safety, but
leaves the Interpretation Of this
largely in the hands of the eXecu-
tive council of the league.
This particular point is sure TO be
debated to great length, particular
" by the French. who are desirous
Of obtaining military security against
any repetition Of the German coup
OF 1914.
Seas Question Settled.
Freedom of the seas" which was
one of Pres't Wilson's IA points and
which. for a time seemed to conflict
with British ideas. was disposed Of
in the league OF nations draft
The principle was originally de-
/ signed for protection OF neutral
rights in war time The league or
ganization is such that in case Of
war neutrality will be practically i'm
I possible
In the matter Of indemnities. an
agreement has virtually been reach
ed that Germany shall not be com
PEELED TO pay the war costs of the
! associated powers but that she shall
make full reparation for material
i damages. A special committee iS
now working on the problem Of no
much Germany should pay, how
much she can pay and how she shall
/ pay IL. The closely allied question Of
/ responsi bility for the war and pun
/ ishment for violation OF information
al rules o. warfare also Is being
handled by a special committee. This
body has determined 20 investigate
( the personal culpability OF individ-
uals. no matter how high placed"
/ TWO subcommittee are examining
the laws involved. and another II
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