Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-02-25
Keeping the Faith

! L CROpE Processes to be amazed al the
, l. sudden return to the international arena
! OF Woodrow Wilson. unable TO understan
why he should thrust himself forward at this
time-as the champion OF the small nations
libcwildered over the passion he has displayed
i'll behalf Of mere principle when expe-
dicncy might more properly be the guide. and
shocked that he should feel an impulse TO
withdraw entirely from participation in Euro
pcan affairs.
1t is quite evident that the group OF en-
tente Prcmicrs sitting in London badly mis-
calculated upon the man in the White House.
They took too seriously the reports that he
was permanently invalded: that his nervous
exhaustion was past cure aud he would
never again be able TO deal hand in the
great affairs OF the world They took too
seriously the opposition to him in the Senate
oprosit'on which European statesman
might naturally regard as blighting. They
apparently thought that the President had
been reduced to position of powerlessness
by the refusal of the Senate TO accept the
treaty OF Versailles.
All this is indicated by the fact that the
Prime Ministers felt al liberty to disregard
the agreements entered into with Woodrow
wilson while he yet remained in Paris for
solution Of he Adriatic problem They
seem 10 nave assumed that with a sick Prcsi-
d'ui in Washington and hostile Senate TO
contend with. they need not bother moro
about The original settlement. They might
20 ahead satisfying Italy. il possible, throw
ing Jugo-Slavia out Of tho door and other
wise reach their own independent con
illusions.
But Mr. Wilson. sick though he is nos
shown himself to he very lively patient.
He has come forward with surprising yigor
10 demand that the allied powers keep the
faith He has reminded them of their solemn
4 3feemchtS. He has told them that he be-
liares now. he believed while in Paris in
me principle CT characterization OF peo-
PICS and OF the right Of every nation to live
It's own life and 10 live ii in its own WAY
ne Eas ioid them that Jugo-Slavia is not TO
De cAoked 10 death in order to crafty the
lmperiaiisiic designs OF some powerful neigh
BOY. Tie has told them that il such designs
are ;;ratiied tic seeds OF another war will
have been planted and some future genera
ton must fight that war just as this genera
ton has fought it's war.
Moreover, the President has felt impelled
I" declare that il Europe at this moment
uo'its Ame"ica: di.regards binding agree
mcn,s with thi. country repudiates settle
merts already made and all but signed aud
sealed ana proceeds in its own way to divide
ana Subdirlde the areas in dispute then he
must withdraw the treaty OF peace from fur
'her consideration by the Senate. This coun-
Try VIII nave To negotiate Il separate peace
WIN Gcrmany, he intimateS. and reassumc
IT'S old and traditional position OF isolation.
Il is no wonder that Europe is amazed
shocked. even stnpeiied over the determine
non OF Mr. Wilson. Europe needs America
as never before. II must have this country
rs mirinor. 1t must work with us. and that
continent knows it. But if it wishes to play
She game with Woodrow Wilson, il must play
II straight. Concerning tina, fact Europe
'iaH just received some very impressive evil
dcncn.