The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1920-02-17
New Situation Caused by Presi-
dent Wilson's Note.
Press Doubts His Ability to
Handle European Matters.
DID NOT SUCCEED At PARIS
His Principles Have Made
Peace Terms UnenfOrceabIe.
Want American Friendship But
Not American Interference.

London. Feb. lit is impossible
to emphasize the Importance and
gravity of the results which may fol-
low the supreme allied councils reply
to President Wilson's note relative to
the Adriatic settlement, says the Mail.
"Angio-American relations for a
generation may well depend upon the
terms of the reply" the newspaper
continues This country is anxious
that justice be done between Italy
and Jugo-Slavia and is equally anX-
ious to cultivate closest friendship
with the United States, which is cor
nerstone of British foreign relations.
We trust, therefore. that moderation
and clear sightedness may character
re the reply so that the very real
crisis with which this country is con-
fronted may be averted."
Treaty Terms Folly.
Reiterating its past condemnation
of the peace treaty, the Herald. labor
organ. interprets decisions concerning
the surrender of former Emperor
William. extradition of German ac-
cused of war crimes and the future
status Of Constantinople as a realiza-
ton of the folly" of the authors of
the treaty.
THE histrionic talents of Premier
Lloyd George" the newspaper goes
on. "have wrought more harm than the
vindictiveness of Premier Clemenceau
or the boundless egotism of the
American president. The dramatic
temperance of President Wilson may
be d mere gesture. but it may be
much more, for America can enforce
its will and can, even al this late hour,
insist that justice be done. Does the
president mean business? If he does
there is still a chance for him to re-
trieve some of his reputation and give
Europe a tolerable peace"
Deep anxiety lest the allies send
President Wilson a reply containing
further cause for dissension is eX
pressed by the Times because in the
actual mood they are now in, the
American people might believe very
little thing sufficient to make them
withdraw their countenance from the
peace settlement and turn their backs
for a. season upon the affairs of the
old world.
The newspaper declares Presiden
Wilson's note on the Adriatic question
RAISES a question which allied demo-
cracies will not allow the supreme
council to settle unrestrained-'
They are not prepared" it con-
tinues ito commit to the uncontrolled
discretion of their premiers their rela-
lions with the American people and
will not tolerate for moment any
CO0uuCJ WHICH might TedSOItdDIy
eStrange Americans or injure n issue
so vast and so fraught with good and
evil as the friendship of America for
Europe. The future of the Lea que of
Nations and all the moral harvest of
war hang on this friendship"
Relations Strained.
Anxious as Great Britain. France
and Italy are to pay loyal regard to the
wishes of their American associate"
81 t. 70.
see how they can comply with Mr..
Wilson's demand relative to the Adri-
attic problem. Settlement Of this
question, which is comparatively aca-
demic for America but cardinal for
European powers. is overdue. Mr..
Wilson when here did nothing max
ing for a settlement and sometimes
he did make an adjustment much
more difficult. His action has strained
the relations of Italy here and the
allies are graVely embarrassed. After
long labor and infinite pains the allies
reached a decision and Mr.. Wilson in
vites them to tear it up and begin
again-a request which strikes US as
an impossible one"
The Daily News. warmly support
ing Mr.. Wilson's attitude says: There
is no reason whatever he should not
similarly challenge the allies decision
relative to Turkey and the extra ditiou
of accused Germans In both these
solutions bargains have been reached
by a process and give and take be
tween Great Britain and France with
out regard for any canon of abstra ct
justice which is the ideal for which
President Wilson has always stood
uncompromisingly The president. as
an Italian paper says. has the knife
by the handle and if he likes can use
1t. The whole settlement as we have
known it may be again in the melt
ing pot"