Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-02-26

gium, because he knew that it was certain,
and he knew better than any one else the
perils of the road that would open up for
America Immediately after peace, when
the nation, swept out Of its familiar course :
would have to contend for it's welfare amid
issues and forces altogether strange to it.
The answer to the question about victory
most familiar in the coat rooms at the
Capitol was uttered by testy Senator from
the Middle West.
Bring the boys home" said he, "and let
Europe eat itself up, If it wants to-
When Mr.. Lodge shepherds the Foreign
Relations Committee to the White House
dinner tonight he will not go with any
such alternative in mind. But some OF his
colleagues will. And the President probably
will tell them that we cannot withdraw
from Europe.
Withdrawal Would Be Boomerang
Mr.. Wilson has told no one his plans.
He hasn't indicated what he will say to
his guests. But II his Boston speech may
be freely interpreted in this connection he
will tell them that the failure Of the
Representations plan will unquestionably
give Europe over to a series of devastating
revolutions
And after the revolutions may come
other militarstic empires-if anything or
civilization remains as a basis for them.
For Europe is fluid now, and it Is an
irresistible temptation to any one with an
army and the thirst for conquest.
1t is the fixed assurance of those who
returned with Mr. Wilson from Paris that
he OH ha Cnpfar-
ence lives up to its opportunities. But
since America is the central pivot of the
whole scheme, the failure of America will
mean complete failure at Paris and an
abandonment of hope
All the forces of reaction now held in
leash will be released, Germany will be
plundered, and so. probably, will Russia
and southern Europe
And the United States will be hated for
ever by peoples who yet may be dominant
forces in Europe
Even Delay Threatens Disaster
Even delay. 1t is pointed out here, will
be little short of a disaster. Senator
| Borah's suggestion of a referendum is
therefore being fought successfully by
Mr.. Wilson's supporters in Congress.
| III a referendum were decided upon, llt
| conclusion of even temporary peace now
vitally necessary in Europe would have to
wait upon the slow processes of national
election in America. There is little chance
that the few, politicians who wish to make
an election issue of the Representations
| plan will have any success.
| 1t is believed here that the President,
when he meets the Foreign Relations Com.
mittees tonight. will confront them with
| plans OF his own for a novel appeal over
the heads of Congress to the nation at
large. This may mean third trip to
Europe, or perhaps the abandonment of
the arrangement for a return on March 0.
If Mr.. Wilson's hopes are realized. the
members Of the two committees will make
all this confusion unnecessary by accept
ing the league plan in its general outline
and expressing In the House and the Sen
ate the sort of approval that will serve
and strengthen the President in further
negotiations In Paris and maintain him IN
X his present position e virtual dictator q
the noaco. 4 81. XI< n ~ "a fiI A t| t.4I.|