The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1920-05-13

behave. Backed by the political, press
and public opinions of France, he
says Germany must be compelled to
carry out her pledges to the limit, and
he does not believe she will do this I'M
less she knows the penalty for eva
sion will be the military occupation of
more German territory.
AT this distance one is inclined to
sympathize with the French view.
Since it is perfectly easy for Germany
to get food from the neighboring neu
trail countries with the enthusiastic CO.
operation of their merchants, and raw
materials from the same and other
sources, Lloyd Georges pressure prob
ably would be farcical in a measure.
The Germans have not carried out the
terms of disarmament, and now they
are formally asking that they be per-
mitted TO retain an army of 100000
with the entire general staff and corps
of officers. They assert that this force
is necessary to maintain order in the
interior, and that, anyway, the army
will not accept an order for its dissolu-
ton. The French like many others,
probably look with skepticism on the
frequently recurring revolutions" in
Germany, and certainly they feel that
the Germans are not to be trusted for
minute. The British view of the
treaty of Versailles differs radically
from that of the French, and if the
Lloyd George government has it's way
that pact will before long be greatly
modified, in favor of the beaten foe.
France is neither so forgiving nor SO
eager for trade that she wishes to re-
store Germany speedily to her old com,
mercial status.
Despite existing differences and the
hopes of Berlin, it is probable the al
lied premiers will come to an amicable
understanding before long. Indeed
that result may have been reached be-
fore this review reaches the reader. 1t
is impossible to guess what will be
the influence of President Wilson's
views in the settlement of the pend
ing problems.
The proclamation of an independent
republic in Siberia east of Lake Bal
kal may serve to simplify conditions
there, and it is believed it will be rec
ognized by the soviet government at
Moscow. In that case there would be
left little excuse for further Occupa
ton of Siberian territory by the Jap
anese or any other foreign nation.
Since President Wilson has made
the peace treaty main issue of the
campaign, it must be admitted that he
suffered two rather severe set-backs
in the state primaries of last week.
In Nebraska, William Jennings Bry-
an, advocate of reservations, was
elected delegate to the convention in
San Francisco, despite the utmost en-
deavors of Senator Hitchcock and the
administration forces to keep him at
home. The prohibition question en-
tered largely into the fight, for Bryan
had declared his intention of putting
a bone-dry plank in the Democratic
platform and of routing the faction,
led by Governor Edwards, which IA
vors the modification of the prohibit
ton legislation SO that the use of mild
ly alcoholic drinks may be restored.
Hitchcock had openly sided with the
Edwards view The Peerless One does
not intend that his party shall side
step the matter. The result in Nebras-
ka was affected by the action of vast
numbers of women who, though not
formerly active members of the Dem
Ocratic party, registered as Democrats
so as to vote for Bryan and dryness
Senator Hitchcock was given the
states preferential vote for the presi
dency, whatever that may be worth.
The other blow to the administration
forces was delivered by the Democrats
of Georgia, where support of the pres
ident and his peace treaty policy was
the main issue. To be sure Attorney
General Palmer, leading the Wilson
contingent and standing for uncOndi-
tional acceptance of the treaty, was
victorious; but Senator HOke Smith,
supporter of ratification with reserva
tons, and Tom Watson. opponent OF
the treaty and league covenant, to-
gether received a vote nearly twice
that given Palmer. Watson led Palm
er in the popular vote by several thou
sand. 1t seems the treaty as it stands
is not really popular in Georgia, and
the same is true in other parts of the
south.
Senator Hiram Johnson, whose pre-
convention campaign is making the
other Republican aspirants sit up and