Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1919-07-04
Mast EuTONS TALKS
CONDUCTED BY
Mas WIZ FELTON,
PEACE WITH GEESMANY

Since the nth of November, 1918.
when the armistice prevailed in Eu-
rope, the question of a legal peace
settlement with Germany has been
the principal topic of anxiety and dis
cussion. Seven months have come
and gone and we are well into the
eighth month of INDIGESTION and I'M
certainty.
If the Germans sign today, q am
writing on the oath of June). that act
will be decisive--so far as it goes.
The sinking of a fleet of German
ships, to the north of Edinburg,
Scotland, however, may delay mat
terS, in various directions. These
ships were surrendered and located
near the Scotland coast, awaiting the
peace treaty. The sinking of these
expensive battleships and destroyers
may uncover the hostile temper of
the Germans, and to my mind there
has been a grieVOuS oversight in fail
ing to keep a closer watch over these
war vessels.
There have been many mistakes
made on various lines, but the whole
sale destruction of these costly war
ships, when the German crews were
allowed to live on them in quiet and
comfort, betokens criminal careless
ness to say the least of it,
Those who imagine that Germany
will be amenable to peace terms, may
be disappointed
This sinking incident is plainly a
pointer to German intention and de-
termination. Whenever and wher-
ever reprisals are within reach, they
will be up and doing. They disre-
garded all international treaties in
beginning hostilities. These treaties
are not binding on the German con-
science.
Whether the peace treaty which
they will sign today will be consid-
cred 9nVtb ing than a E'Sno m of
paper" is questionable.
So far as understood, the Germans
who were made caretakerS of the
surrendered ships, were placed there
upon their honor. They were paroled
marines-and given the freedom of
the warships, rather than prison
walls and chains. Much was allowed
to them, and it was not to be ex-
pected that they would violate their
parole-if they were sane and SenSi-
BILE men. But they have done it.
The sinking of these ships clearly
demonstrates the need of a rigid
peace treaty. Unless rigid require
ments are backed up by bayonets it
is clearly evident that no sort Of a
treaty will have binding force on
German sailors. And unless the gov
eminent of the United States is will
ing to maintain a standing army in
Europe to police Germany it is very
questionable as to whether Germany
will not go to fighting in France,
Italy and Belgium as soon as Ger
many gets on her feet again.
In dealing with the hostile Ameri-
can Indians the United States gov
eminent signed many treaties with
these treacherous foes. 1t is an es-
tablished fact that the red men did
not hesitate to abrogate any sort
of a written treaty. 1t looks as
if the Germans will sign agreements
and disregard them also.
When those warships were placed
in care of German officers and
marines, it was expected that they
would be anxious to show willing
ness to care for them, and not de-
stroy them, as per contract.
IT is said there were nine immense
dreadnaughts--fine ships afloat in
the world. Five Of the greatest bat
tie cruisers known to modern times,
seven of somewhat lighter cruisers
and fifty destfoyers. These vessels
were in perfect order, and the sur
rendered property OF the allies in
Europe Several German mari
were killed, but the great majors
made their way to the Scottish coast
in safety. Doubtless they will be
deemed heroes in Germany.
How can one expect peace, when
there is no peace!