Evening journal., 1919-05-13
Peoples Column
NOR GETTING 4 SQUARE DEAL.

To the Editor OF The Evening Journal
Sir: An official communication from
Washington states that all reports con-
corning the settlement OF the Fiumc
questions are "fctlon." and that Mr.
Wilson has not deviated in the slight
est from his position.
have the greatest admiration for
our President and his efforts for the
benefit Of humanity, but IL seems 20 me
Italy is not getting a square deal at his
hands. l recall that In one OF the Pres
idepts speeches before leaving this
country he said that his trip 30 Europe
purposed 90 look after the American
interests and not mingle in boundary
disputes. This policy has not been
carried out, but he has officially cs-
pOusod the cause Of the enemies OF the
Niles TO the delriment Of Italy. who
has borne untold suffering that her as
pratlons might be realized.
! do not understand why Mr.. Wilson
should be so generous with Greek as
piralions. when that country did al
most nothing for the Allies; so gen.
er3us with all other people aspiring TO
be united to kindred populations and
obdurately oppose the inhabitants Of
Plume. VINO want 70 be joined to Italy.
There is nothing in the fourteen points
10 cntiile the enemy Croalians 20 this
italian riiv. but there are at least two
points. viz: "Self-determination' and
"adluslment, according 20 recognizable
lines OF nationality" that favor the
return Of Fiume 10 Italy. We may re-
call that Napoleon, the desp0t, turned
over this typical Italian city 10 Aus
tria Mr.. Wilson, although a domnat
ing character. Is the representative OF
genuine democracy and should not
act arbitrarily and tyrannically.
II seems 10 me England remains mis-
tress Of the seas, through Mr.. Wilson's
voluntary sacrifice Of his point on IN
freedom OF the seas" and has gotten
a large number OF mandates France
has gotten the rich Saar basin. Aus
tralia enjoys a special position. The
United States has obtained recognition
OF the purely nationalistic Monroe Doe
irine and Italy Is refused her most
vital interests. She is also abused be-
cause Of "secret treaties Are treat
les signed during a war 20 be made
public for the benefit Of the enemy?
)0es this secrecy make a treaty immOr-
Il? What then about the many secret
understandings between France and
England? We never hear a word about
hem.
We have been asking Italy 10 prac-I
lice the most difficult OF all vlrturcs Il
''renunclatiOn." Why don't we ask the
Croatians and Slovenes. now called
-Jugc- -Slavs. to sacrifice Fiume since
ne JugO-Slavs are accorded by the
treaty of London 200 miles 0f coast and
some Of the best ports on the Adriatic.
such as Trau. Spalato, Durazzo, Bac-
carl. san Gi0manni di Madua and many
others. Why should we favor an
enemy against an Ally?
70 is said France and England are
Jealous Of a strong. new Italy, but do
not have the courage 10 tear to pieces
lhcir pledges OF honor. Why should
our President come openly against the
lust aspirations OF Italy and favor the
Jugo-Slavs. a cOnglomeration Of three
races. different in religion. language.
racial characteristics and mental make
up. Such union viii never hold. II
is a camOu1agc % escape the retribu-
lion or their sins against civilization.
Already we arc reading OF Jugo-Slsvs
arrayod against Hungary and the
Croats wanting a republic instead OF
the king OF Serbia. Italy is facing
East and TO deny her pro-
lection is not right.
hope common sense will supplant
the0retic conceptions and that adjust
menls may be made along practical
lines instead OF tons OF geographical
maps.
Yours truly.
OBSERVER.
a. s.-tr.-.f---f-- nj NFrr~ 20 1910