The Washington herald., 1919-08-17

he is looking not to the present, but
to the future. The league may, If it
gets started. develop into a world
organization to keep the peace. AS
at present constituted 1t is merely
an alliance of America, Britain,
France, Italy and Japan to impose
their will in the interests of peace
ana order and in their own inter-
ests.
This alliance, league or no league.
has in effect existed in Paris during
and since the Fsace Conference. But
there nave been and are riffs in the
lutte. Japan is the dominant power
in half the world. indeed the only
strong native government in the East
between California and the frontier of
France; and the sincere adhesion of
Japan to the pact Is more than
doubtful. Her ambitions in Asia,
her anxiety to find an outlet for her
crowded population. together with
the opportunity presented by the
downfall of Russia, and her failure
to secure recognition or racial oual-
ity in Paris, combine to make her
annoyed with the behavior of the
Western white nations.
Tendency to Separate.
One nation from five leaves four.
Out OF four great powers, which
fought the war together in Europe.
two show separatist tendencies. One
OF these is the United States. Our
refusal to keep a large army in Eu-
rope. when doubts that the veteran
troops of Europe would consent 10
remain longer in arms were pressed
upon Wilson. alarmed our allies,
though they politely said nothing
We are hesitating to ratify the
league agreement. because we do not
want to be called upon to interfere
in every little European Quarrel
But If We refuse to make ourselves
responsible for the peace of Europe
we cease to be an effective member
of the league as at first conceived
II we are to be counted out, one
from four leaves three, ItsIv's
growing separation from her allies
Is more marked and more certain
than ours. Robbed and tricked at
Paris. as most Italians think they
were, many Of them favor a new
alliance with Germany and German
Austria against the French and the
new 'Danubian Confederation" of
Juso-Slavs and Rumanians.
The old pro-German party Of Clio
littt Is gaining ground daily. There
are indications Of this in all sections
Of the press, and in the organs Of the
late dictators, Orlando and Sonnino
a leaning towards the central now
ers is manifest. The former Ger
manophile press has thrown off its
mask entirely; the Resto del Carlino
recently remarked: The economic
question is today a genuine interna-
tional political question. and Ger
many, Austria and Hungary show
that they understand it and can
solve it better than France, Eng
land and America"
Paper Urges Armament.
Next day the same paper contIn-
ued: AS France. England and
America are equipping armies to
carry out their designs Of world
domination, and as these also men
ace US, let US defend ourselves. 1t
will not be difficult; we shall per-
haps not even need to move a can
non or maChine-Eun. II will suf-
flee to tell the peoples Of Europe.
Asia and Africa distinctly that italy
obeys the trilmvifate no longer. and
viii under no circumstances obey
the tyrants of the Congress. The
consequences of such a step on the
part OF our government, il it had
the courage to take it. would be
enormous. The Austrians. Magyars
Bulgars and Turks. even the Egyp-
tians, would fight in greater surety
if Italy was with them in spirit. and
il they knew that the Italian army
would under no circumstances aid
the trtumvirate. BeatPn az the Com
Eress Of Paris. We can be the SUI
preme arbiters Of European politics.
If only we have the courage to use
our strength"
These words. Of course. do not rep
resent italian Covernmen. sentiment.
But Italy has withdrawn her soldiers
from all inter-allied activities. storDed
shipments of munitions from goin-
through Adriatic ports to allied troo7s
in the East. and II Seems safe to counr
Italy out, as an effective member Of
the Paris council. willing to back up
her words with deeds
England and France Left.
One from three leaves two. Bv elm
nation. We have reduced the Paris
allies to two powers, England and
France. whose rulers are willing to
use force anywhere on the continent
10 carry out the conference DEGREES.
They are willing. hut can they? italy
and Japan arc GoUhtful: America re
mains a great factor. in some WAYS
the greatest, because she controls
more oCOnomia strength than anyone
else But in the last rezor. everything
in such conditions q 8 maintain in the
East depends on soldiers, the willing
ness and ability to use them.
And from what hear it is extremely
doubtful whether labor in either Eng
land or France viii permit the use Of
TOmmies or Poilus in trying TO settle
boundaries as Paris wants them set
tied. Labor is in such a position in
both countries than Clemenceau and
Lloyd George dare not defy it. II Ger
many tried to kick over the traces. Mt
least at present. the old war feeling
would revive and prompt action could
he taken by willing troops; but the
men who fought the war do not want
to fight again to enforce decisions in
the Near East upon populations they
knew nothing of and care nothing
about. And I do not think they will
so fight. with labor at home backing
them UP as It is.
II my Interpretation Of the facts be
accepted, the weakness Of the impos-
ing Congress of Powers in Paris now
stands revealed. Hitherto, at least, n
country's strength in the world has
rested in the last analysis upon her
armed force. The Big Five are defen-
siveIy strong. because they have the
power if attacked to defend them