Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-08-31
crisis has boon passed and perhaps scores
Of families have been driven to seek homes
elsewhere.
Peace Moro and Moro Imperative

THERE is nothing SO important in tho
L domestic life of this nation the early
return of peace. Until this is consumm ated
and the uncertainty which the present in
determinate status OF the country's foreign
affairs breeds, is removed. there will be con-
tinued unrest, continued disorders con-
,inued strikes and continued difficulties in
all directions. The cumulative experience OF
the past few months is clear evidence OF this.
1t must not be assumed that the ratifca-
ton of the treaty with Germany will settle
instantly all domestic problems, if that
ratification had come months ago there
would have been none Of the troubles which
have afflicted the nation. That is too much
10 expect. but It may be safely taken for
granted that the delay in bringing about
peace. coupled with the alarms which the
opponents Of the pending treaty have created,
nave done great deal to foment internal
disorders. TO retard the restoration Of nor
NAL conditions and TO keep alive unrest
throughout the country
1t is. therefore, heavy responsibility
which the Senate bears in this connection.
That body may fee! that 1t is justified in
examining carefully and critically every line
in the treaty Of peace, and it is, OF course,
its plain duty TO do this. But it is not justi-
fed in holding up that measure indefinitely
while one group OF Senators shouts for
amendments. another group for reservations,
another group for interpretations and Still
another group for unconditional ratification.
me committee on Foreign Affairs is not
justified in sitting week after week on the
treaty, Withholding it from the Senate as a
whole.
The chances are that virtually every mem
Der OF the Senate knows right now how he
Will vote. Certainly every Senator must
Know, II he ever will, exactly what issues
are involved and what questions must be
answered. II amendments are TO be made.
they might as we'll be made now and the
world given full notice OF the result. If mild
reservations or interpretations are to be in
sisted on. better now than later, and if the
Senate after all, is minded to ratify the treaty
without qualification, that action ought to
be taken without another weeks DELAY
1t is only necessary, in support of this
view, TO take into consideration the indus
trlal strife in which the country is engaged.
scarcely q community has escaped labor
troubles Uprisings are legion and it is only
snort step from uprising to revolution
hilllons OF people are in arms against the
excessive prices which they are required TO
pay Tor ordinary necessities OF life They
are paying war prices with an extra margin
added, although they have been told daily
since last November that the war is over.
Inc war is not over in a purely technical
sense and yet the grip of the government
upon the country has been relaxed War
measures nave been rescinded and peace
measures have not been taken and probably
cannot De taken as long as the proclamation
Oh peace Is held up. The first thing TO he
uone' II seems, Is the ratification of the treaty
This will let the country know where it
stands. After that the government and the
natlon as whole may proceed toward a re-
adjustment