South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-02-02
INTERNATIONALIZINC GERMANY'S
COLONIES A GREAT UNDERTAKING
UNDER THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

a NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. opposition with the
"a usual crack-braned denunciation, we have it
in Washington Notwithstanding. the policy OF in
ternationalzing' the from Germany as
proposed by tho United States apparently accepted
by the other powers at Paris notable contribution
the peace program. carried good faith, it
will prevent jealousy likely arise from the def
mite allotment possessions" TO the
particular nations More that, establishes new
principle colonization which augurs well for future
peace.
The craze for colonial possessions has been the
curse Of modern civilization Every protesting
tie dignity OF world power felt obliged to have
colonies as proof prowess and authority. regard
practical benefits TO be derived from them
Prestige demanded it. And most Of the powers have
paid dearly for prestige Even Lloyd George head
been the most successful colonial
administrator in the worlds history. remarked the
other day that usually than they
worth.
The usual arguments for colonies have been
sul of faIlacies Germany always money her
colonies Spain far better off since she lost
Cuba and the Philippines. The United states has made
nothing out of it's colonies. may never make
thing out them. They merely give Americans com
Portable feeling international respecabiy, and
coaIing stations and harbors for our com
merce--which might be provided otherwise, under
proper international system.
Nevertheless colonies have been the OF most
modern wars Nations have fought colonies
hold those in their grasp.
Now. II German colonies are internationalized-
made the property Of world federation, though adj
ministered by particular powers-there may be an end
10 the old scramble for colonial ownership Thus there
will be warfare and the powers
will not waste so their resources in pursuit
OF the great Illusion povery-stricken Italy. the
est OF .he world group done in Tripoli. Rather
they will stay and expend their energy in the
development and perfection OF their own resources
trusting to the league of nations guarantee them
equitable rights everywhere beyond their borders
course such program cannot be expected to be
acceptable 10 Observation-Disclosures in the American
congress- In the first place Wilson proposed it,
he il not OF their political school, and they too
tis Understanding just president said
they would NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. when he asked for
democratic congress; too busy making his prophecy
come true to show themselves sensible. Besides there
is war party America. a party OF war-prohteers
and the between promising them
universal military training. and more wars are looking
out for their campaign contributions in 10 and ga
mere consistency following their opposition to the
League of Nations itself
Fine in theory-but it wouldn't work. So these
critics used TO dismiss the idea of League OF Nations
for world peace.
The European powers would never agree TO it,"
they protested when this dstnctively American pro-
posal submitted basic part OF the peace pro-
gram.
The other powers don't what they say!' main
tanned the same pessmistic folk when allies sub
scribed TO the plan
The league will be a shadow" they now in
ss since its organization is actually under way IT
will be weak ineffective, and therefore worthless
THE league will arrogate to itself too much power
shout the directors will deprive members OF their
independence It will imperil the rights and liberties
Of United States"
Foolish doubters carpng critics. ultra partisan and
un-Amercan. ali! Foolish not because past plans for
the league have necessarily been wise. not because
present plans for il perfect. because will inn
nediately or eventually fulfil all that over-hopefu folk
expect of it, but foolish simply they doubt and
80 dry up their power of vision and constructive
effort and help themselves defeat the :hing aimed
a
As man thinketh in his heart, so is he, said one
who wise.
This is more gospel truth. 1t is political truth
I'm politics national or international it is pre-eminent-
~ thought that rules ANY government has power only
so long as the people governed think it has power The
russians and Germans have shown that. Any system
viii work as long as the people agree on it,
In no other sphere Of life and action can thought
more clearly and demonstrably create what it seeks
let the big majority mankind believe that strong
INST League OF Nations possible and practicable and
an once il becomes possible and practicable.
Faith is the highest wisdom. Doubling, hypercritical
selfish faith-destroyers are enemies of mankind.
---=-
mr. To