Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1920-12-23
Editorial Digest
The Cry Still "More Ships"

The Cry Still more Ships"
With the question Of disarmament
again to be discussed in Europe and
with America outside the league and
unrepresented at the naval conferences,
this country is presented with a prob
lem upon the solution of which editoria,
writer's are unable to agree. Just what
Americas course should be is solved
by various newspapers in various ways,
or, in most cases, left unsolved. Some
of the league Of nations enthusiasts put
down the country's inability to act as a
result OF refusing to accept the cove
nant. On the other hand. many con-
slider that Mr.. Wilson was wrong in de-
Ginning to join informally with the other
nations negotiations for disarmament
The Pittsburgh Leader progressive
republican, believe that the whole ques-
ton Is based upon the power of the peo-
Piles rather than the wishes of the gov
e5nments. 1t says:
There 10 only one way in which dis
armament can be effected. The way is
to leave the decisions to the will and
wish OF the people. the cannon fodder,
the actual victims of war;
Some newspapers feel that disar-
mament itself is a duty that can be
accomplished. Among them is the
Springfield Republican Gndependent).
which believes that Americas path is
clear. "She is in a position OF lead
ership." it says, 'in the matter of re-
duction of expenditure on ornaments.
The rest of the world naturally waits
on Americas decision" Writers hold
ing this opinion condemn the action
of the President in not sending rep
reSentatives to take part in the dis
cussion to that end. and the New York
Evening Mail Independent, expresses
this sentiment by declaring that this
refusal on the Technical ground"
that We are not in the league. will
appear to most Americans regretta-
ble." The Cincinnati Commercial
Tribune (republican) adds: The
league of nations can go right ahead
with its disarmament program con-
ident of American cooperation in or
out Of the league membership"
But there are a great number Of
newspapers which seem to feel sin
cerely that we cannot take our part
in the task OF reducing the posi-
bilities of war outside the pale of the
league. The Sioux City Tribune Gn-
dependency thinks that mot only can
we not take part" in this effort. but
our non-participation is bound to hold
bility upon the United States, the
democratic) declares, that can be
avoided "only by joining the league
MEMBERS" and the Lynchburg News
(democratic) supplies the point to these
remarks by citing Japan's excuse for
not supporting q naval holiday; name
ly, that America was not a member
of the league Of nations" Japan's
course in this matter the Milwaukee
Journal independently considers jus
tifiable." and "by staying out of the
league. America, foremost among the
in the strange position of being the
one nation which bars the world
movement to minimize war"
Then there are those who, while
they do not urge conquest and decry
imperialism. are SO convinced that
there il NO hope of securing unity
among the great military powers
and that old policies must be con-
tinued. Human progress has not
reached the point where justice, rather
than might. 10 the rule of conduct
among patfons." says the Birming-
ham Age Herald (democratic). and the
Seattle Times Independently, recalling
the lesson Of 1917. asserts:
Tho good faith Of Europe is de-
cidedly open to question. II 1t really
favors disarmament 1t can proceed
with its own program, relying upon
the reasonableness and peacefulness
Of America. but America would
blunder grievously II 1t reposed over
much confidence In Europe's protesta-
lions not backed by action in the way
Of actual reduction Of ornaments"
The Savannah News (democratic),
appears to faycr safety FIRST" or at
Some Of tho newspapers find the re-
publican party the obstacle in the
way. The Rochester Herald (inde-
penaent) describes the attitude Of
the President-elect" as opposed to all
concerted action with other nations to
avert war;" and tho result Of the cleo
ton shows, 1t declares, that the peo-
pie are apparently bent on maintain
Ing huge military ana naval prepara-
tions." Tho JohnstoZn Democrat
fdsmocratic) fsels that Harding nurses
impe1ialistie dreamy and secs mo
hint Of . pause in the MAD career,
of expansion, and no hope until -
saving remnant" Of Americans brings
the nation back to sanity.
But moro Sanguine 10 the New York
Tribune (republican). urging . status
QUO in naval affairs here-then an
agreement; for, Il concludes, ''we can
and We must subdue the fool Jingoes
In our midst. Let ~ have peace
9th hanAeW