Evening journal., 1919-01-23

the Hapsburg Government had been de-
feated in the war and was unable to
put down the revolt.
while the war was slill in progress,
YOU may remember, the United States
in common with others Of the Allied
nations recognized the Czecho-Slovaks
Of Bohemia as a separate nation and
at the same time approved the right OF
the Jugo Slavs TO freedom.
The Jugo Slavs, after centuries Of
oppression naturally rejoiced in their
liberation and Immediately set about
strengthening their claims as a nation.
"One Of the most insistent demands
has been for seaports on the Adriatic
Sea, and Italy, while the war was still
on, in order to hasten the triumph Of
the common cause agreed { 10 com
promise with the Jugo Slavs regarding
their rights to the Adriatic.
I'm the meantime, Italy IS making
counter claims for provinces on the
east coast Of the Adriatic taken from
Italy many years agp by Austria;
Servia Is insistent upon an outlet to
the sea and the trouble which has
been gradually brewing between Italy
and these Slav nations promises TO be
one Of the biggest and most difficult
problems with which the Peace Con-
ference will have 10 deal"
Events of the Past Which SOwed the
Seeds OF Discord.
Il suppose that the old balance Of
power, idea has been responsible for
this trouble, hasn't it, Uncle Harry2"
ventured Helen.
1t has" replied Uncle Harry; "in
fact a secret agreement known as the
Treaty Of London was made as late
as April, 1915, between Great Britain,
France and Russia and Italy, which
promised Italy various concessions Of
territory In the north and on the east
coast Of the Adriatic Sea. This treaty
involved the annexation TO Italy Of
nearly three quarters Of a million
Sl0venes and Creates with keenly de
veloped national feelings.
"The actual text Of this treaty did
not become known until the revolution
gained control Of Petrograd. But the
world Today is very different from
what IL was even three years ago, when
this secret treaty was made. The Gar.
ist Government in Russia no longer
exists, neither does the AustrO-Hun-
latter we have a number Of separate
nation each insistent upon what it be-
lieves to be its right and jealous Of the
encroachments Of its neishbors.
Matters were still further compll-
Gated by the terms Of the armistice
with Austria Hungary under which
Italy occupied a part Of the east coast
Of the Adriatic Sea. The Jugo Slavs
have anxiously regarded this presence
Of the Italian Army as a possible wedge
for permanent possession and have
even gone so far as TO appeal TO the
Entente demanding that the italian
troops be replaced by British, French
and American troops.
The Jugo Slavs have also requested
that the treaty Of London be revised
and this request is said to be support
ed by maiorties in America. England,
and France. Even in Italy there seems
10 be a considerable faction who are
In favor Of a revision Of the treaty and
an arrangement with the new Jugo
Slav nation that shall insure perman-
ent peaceful relations.
"On the other hand, many Italians
assert that If Servia or any other South
Slav province aspire to have free out
let to the sea. that Italy has done moth
ing TO block them, for by virtue Of
the Treaty Of London these nations
east Of the Adriatic have at their dis
position an open coast OF more than
four hundred and thirty miles and |
more ports than they can use.
but these Italians also insist upon |
the restoration Of Dalmatia 70 Italy and
protest vigorously against the possibil
ity Of Servia or any combination Of 4
the Slav nations assuming complete
control Of the eastern shore Of the I
Adriatio.
THE entire question has its roots in ]
the oonquests Of many, many years ago
and In the secret treaties which are
now recognized as having been one 'of
the chief causes Of wars between the /
nations.
'The wiser heads on each side Of
the Italo-Jugo Slav controversy are
urging their countrymen to go slow
and counseling moderation.
"One thing is sure, the chances for
a just settlement Of disputes like this
are far better than they have ever been
IN the history Of the world. For the
terrible lessons Of the great war have
impressed themselves deeply into the
minds OF people the world over and
there Is a firm determination that this
peace shall not be a patched-up' one :
but peace Of justice that shall enable !