The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1919-01-31
Sir John Fraser's Views.

ItIdlCVI VIII represent MS views A"hAJ'
Sir John Fraser's Views.
What do you think will be the at.
titude Of the allied statesmen toward
President Wilson when they come to
actual grips?' was one question.
II think, replied Sir John, that
and Orlando viii toll Mr., Wilson what
they, as representatives. Of the allies,
have already agreed pom as the plans
and principles that are best for their
nations. President Wilson will OF course
have the fullest opportunity, II he dis
agrees with any of their views, to state
1 his reasons and to endeavor to persuade
them to his way of thinking
Then you think that the allied pre-
miers will have agreed in advance TO
the peace terms they want?"
Il think It is very likely; else what
We're the recent conferences In LONDON
for? You Americans must not forget
continued Sir John, that technically
your country was not and Is not one
Of the allies. President Wilson has
been very careful to state more than
associated with the allies in making
war on Germany. You entered the war
because Germany Insulted your national
pride,
President Wilson has been very
careful to keep your nation In an indie
pendent position. We do not blame
him for that, but such is the fact. The
United States Is free to do anything II
likes in the matter Of concluding peace
If it does not like the kind Of peace
the allies want, it can make peace On
way Of putting 1t, yet that is so IN
strict fact, though 1 have not the slight
est doubt America and the allies VIII
see eye to eye. 49,.
DO not mistake me. l believe that
naaNtnu, =, . s1.,,n ..tI IL. hnnAlaH In Cilrh
mastery fashion that there will be
complete accord between your peace
delegates and those of the allies. Presl-
dent Wilson. Is a great man ana an apie
man, and We expect him to use MIS-
great abilities in such Il way as to har-
monte the ideals Of the new world with
the demands and requirements OF the
nations that have really suffered In the
war. But England and France Will not
surrender anything they hin essen
tial just because President Wilson falls
to Agree,"
In passing, It may be stated here that
Americans in London and Paris who are
Watching the situation closely are OF
the opinion that Britain, France and
Italy have a much SITTER program thar
that suggested by the presidents II
points, and that very skillful diplomacy
will be needed. Britain, for example
! has no thought OF modifying her prac.
tees at sea during war times, anC
probably will not listen to any propose
to reduce her naval armament.
The recent overwhelming coalition
success and the election Of a Republi.
can house and senate in America have
strengthened i"mmeasurably in England
an already strong determination to ad-
here to the old maritime policy. Never
, before has our British cousin sung
Britannia Rules the Waves" with more
enthusiasm than he does today.
Thinks Americans Boastful.
I asked Sir John Foster Fraser
whether he thought Americans boastful
Of their part in winning the war, He
admitted that he did think so.
As a Briton | am grateful for the
splendid way the best Americans have
generously recognized what Britain has
done in the war, but" Sir John added,
II have many times sat in smoking
compartments of Pullman cars and lis
tened to what seemed to be representa-
tive Americans talking about the way
their army turned the trick and won
the war when it seemed lost. When
would sometimes join in the converse
ton and let it be known that l came
from England, the first question III
vAriably asked of me would be: Now
don't YOU think our boys are wonder
FUR Not even once did anyone think
to pay a compliment to the British
army or navy-that Is In smoking com
partments and $S-a-day hotels in the
Middle West.
Let me make a prophecy, As you
go abouts in England I predict that
when you enter conversation with an
Englishman, his first thought will be
to tell of his admiration for American
soldiers and sailors"
lishman I talked with expressed conVic-
ton that Americans had furnished the
final punch needed to win. Never be-
fore have Americans been so kindly
received and treated in England as they
are today. 1t isn't necessary to wear
a uniform to share in the good will.
Common Folk Adore Wilson.
by the Common people. Ask the nan
in the street, the everyday man who
has nothing to do with statecraft or
large business affairs, what he thinks
Of our president, and he will answer In
a tone and manne that would move to
pride almost any OF the presidents
countrymen.
Mr.. Wilson has been unusually kindly
and gracious in bearing on the oc-
c%asions of his public appearances. and
all of his addresses have been tactful
and Of n nature not disposed TO arouse
"antaEonism. He Is very much admired
by the people. At home nothing is
ever said about the presidents per
sonal appearance. but over here every
one say "Ah, but your president is
a fine hooking mani
We all must realize, however. that
the big Issues are not TO be settled by
the men In the street, but so far as
England is concerned. they will he
handled by men who think AZ Sir John
Foster Fraser thinks, Britain will look
out for herself; let no one doubt that
for a minute, There is no desire TO
offend America, but British. interests