The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-02-21
ABROAD


The author OF the phrase and the OF the of
open covenants openly arrived at President Wilson.
The expression apt and the purpose worthy It'll
brought his standard supporters who believed that
many OF the ills OF the old world due and
secret understandings which eventually plague those
bound by them There was perhaps no principle enumerated within
recent that appeared real merit promised
more relief from the curse OF secret diplomacy,
And yet for than week there have been passing be-
the representatives of Great Britain France and Italy on
the side and President Wilson the other short aud curt
communications in which told the United States onI
record having threatened rcpudate the treaty OF peace
and the league OF nations that it ready withdraw from the
treaty guaranteeing protection France in the of German
aggression and making other serious representations it the
the United States
What the views of the United States this question
So far have observed has been debated the
and there is general haznss with regard the entire
subject At least there is general misunderstanding between
the president and the representatives OF Great Britain France
and Italy They declare the president has taken
sideaton developments OF the past five months and that
not possible adjust the subject the basis of his understand
ing OF last August September
There doubt that the president pursuing the subject
with the oe motives and the most dsnerestcd idea of justice
to all concerned
But he makes fundamental mistake in talking much
about American ideals There may be misunderstanding
of that The ideals that say represent America not
the ideals the European nations attribute lis.
We protest that ideals genuine desire uneshy
serve humanity We tell the world that have thought of
gain and no desire for advantage.
The European who knows the United States best through
the markets and the official manipulation Of the rate OF exchange
is not impressed with the proestation OF high ideals
Perhaps the fault of the president is sressng much
American ideals 1t not well speak often highly
of ones virtues.
Furthermore Great Britain France and Itav and perhaps
even other countries likewise have ideals They may even
be egotsa enough claim that their ideals every bit as
high OF know they but what is the
use OF arguing?
Why talk of ideals though they peculiar to
the people OF the United Saes2 1t is better talk OF things
they aethe questions that rrtate and dSturband seek
tement for them without going outside the record to raise
question that nations in the world will agree upon
Oi the TO
keep free from unpleasant entangements with former
associates the while remain ignorance OF the
OF contention
Unfortunately the European people prone regard
president being OF line with the sentiment the country
They ory their belief upon his demand for Democratic
gress that would periodically assist winning the and
the election OF Republican house and senate upon his state
that he would United States Without
the league of which finally conceded him
1t prepared by British subject and general South
Africa, and the fact that the adopted reseva
tons and has not yet ratified it.
We do these facts critically but show why
is that the president has lost prestige Europe s. Cobb
who witnessed the continuous ovation given president upon
his arrival France and anayzed the psychology
visits to England and Italy stated what perhaps
the truth when he said Wilson could be elected president
country in the world except the United States
His popularity elsewhere however, based upon the belief
that he nvncb at home that he had the American people
soidy aayed behind him When the recouned above
transpired he lost some of his influence abroad
AS for the responsibility for this condition. are oi the be
lief that it is due much anything the president have
done said anything that may have been said
pshed by his but efforts both and effective
of the nations that have dominated Europe 100 years and
which look with jealousy and suspicion upon the advent OF another
into European affairs and seeking by the
at their command to discred and DESTROY that influence