The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-05-17
Peace bv Resolution.


the United States and the German gov
eminent can constitutonallv he ended
by resolution passed by a majority
OF both houses OF The congress. and APP
proved by the president is question
which we prefer to leave to those edi-
tors who feel themselves qualified Ia
sustain or reject the contention OF the
president that It can not. or the con-
gress which maintains that it can.
That the question will not be dis
posed of by Judicial determination is
obvious from the fact that the presi
dent intends TO veto the resolution.
Lack of the required two-thirds vote
In both houses, necessary to pass the
resolution over his protest viii leave
the matter exactly where 1t stood be-
fore the resolution was adopted
Respecting the resolution it may be
said that 1t provides that all property
OF Germany and German nationals, in
possession of the government OF the
United States, shall be retained until
such time as Germany has concluded
a treaty Of peace with the United
States and made suitable provisions for
the satisfaction Of all claims against
the German government
II provides that until by treaty or act
or joint resolution OF congress, II shall
be determined otherwise. the United
States, although it has not ratified the
treaty OF Versailles. does not waive
any Of the rights. privileges indemni-
ties reparations or advantages to which
II and its nationals have become en-
titled under the terms OF the arm-
stice
The resolution makes no concession
TO Germany. and holds 1t strictly to
tho terms OF the armistice, and 20 the
terms OF peace which Germany has al
ready signed with the allied nations. II
provides merely that the war Is at an
end and requests the president to open.
negotiations with Germany for settle
ment by treaty.
II is unfortunate that the treaty OF
Versailles and the league of nations,
which Germany was not permitted TO
sign. were so entanglod that they could
not be considered separately, since the
league Is reserved for the allies and
associated nations. Except for the
league the treaty as 1t was written, cN-
Guiding the gift Of Shantung to Japan.
would have been ratified There Is
serious objection TO the United States
pledging itself TO carry out the pro-
visions of this secret treaty between
England and Japan.
II is unfortunate that the treaty and
the league OF nations Is to he an issue
in the November campaign with not
even a prospect that II Is tC be settled
before next summer, and perhaps not
then.
The close of the war found Germany
a bankrupt nation. The seeing al
lies were not slow to take advantage Of
the trade opportunities offered in
plentiful in raw material and
labor but destitute OF finances and
factories
The result Is that great corpora tons
have been organized with British ltal-
ian and Japanese flnanClers to back
them, and already they have secured a
foothold in Germany.
The revival Of industry in Germany
has been marked Every nation has
part in il. with exception Of the United
States. That this country is technical
~ at war prevents intercourse or ne
gottation between the two countries
This country needs to get on a peace
footing with the nations Of the world
On the best possible basis, but 1t re-
auires formal ratification Of peace.
Then the people Of the United States
should sign a covenant OF peace among
themselves and turn their hands to
constructive work and their minds to
constructive thoughts