Evening star., 1920-01-11
THE STORY THE WEEK HAS TOLD

Among
of the raids the obtaining of definite proof
of the suspected fact that it is the purpose of
the reds in this nation to win to their mad am
bitions through the expedient Of pervertfng
organized labor. The Department Of Justice
announced that the steel and coal disorders
were planned and furthered by the reds
step toward the unseatng of the government
1t also developed that great bolshevfst plot
to discredit the currency of the world through
counterfeitfng is being vigorously combated by
American authorities cooperating with Eu-
ropean agencies. The congested condition of
Ellis Island. whittier the alien reds are taken
pending deportation. has raised the question as
to whether 1t would not be advisable to estab-
lish concentration camp for reds near New
York
The nation rejoices in the assurance Of the
Department of Justice that, while it has reason
to believe that the backbone of ultra-radicalism
has been broken by the developments of the
week. there will be no relaxation in its purpose
of bringing to justice every advocate of revolu-
ton within our boundaries. Jim and Jane are
pulling for A. Mitchell Palmer. By the way.
what does that "A' stand for? "At-a-boy"?
The plea of Sir George Paish, British finan-
cal expert, for loan from the United States
of something ten billion dollars to Eng
land for the financing of war-torn Europe
coming as close as it did upon the now appar-
emily unfounded rumor that Viscount Grey had
been negotiating with the same end in view
during his sojourn here, created during the
early part Of the week quite tempest in the
teapot of financial conversation. The prompt
announcement by the British treasury that it
is not seeking a large financial loan in this
country, that Sir George is not in America in
any official capacity and that his proposal is
dametrically opposed to the official British pol
icy. went far to still the gusty atmosphere.
AS aftermath to the representations Of Sir
fha of fhn Gnnr ofnI A. 80
Europe at the present time, and Of Americas
obligations in this connection, came in for dis
cussion by two highly competent authorities in
this country.
Came Herbert Hoover. disagreeing emphati-
cally with the statement being circulated by
European propagandists," both as to the vol
ume of European financial needs from the
United States and to their suggestion that
the great bulk of these needs cannot be met-by
ordinary commercial credits. Mr.. Hoover, in
sisting that the European situation furnishes
mo grounds for hysteria." expresses the con-
viction that IF we contribute bread supply on
government credit to these starving cities. plus
business credits, we will be doing our share of
world responsibility" He feels very strongly
apparently, that what Europe needs most of all
is to quit experimenting and start rustline for
itself.
Secretary Of the Treasury Glass, on the
other hand, in letter to the ways and means
committee Of the House. made public during the
4 week, shifts from the stand taken In his an
naai report whom he urged that Eurepean losns
be discontinued AskA permission to appear be-
fore the ways and means committee to lay be-
fore " plse for legialation for further extern
sion 6f credit. 4,5 q So a ~ ~
Meanwhile. 1t has been decided to fund the
interest due on American loans to the allies
over a period Of years until European finances
ate normal again. This interest, amounts to
more than s44ooooooo. And that ought to
help some.
X X X
What was hailed by prohibition advocates
as the coup-de-grace to the demon rum" and
groaned over by their anti" brethren as one
Supreme Court decfued once and for all that
any beverage Containing one-half Of per cent
OF alcohol may be classified as Intoxicating as
far as the Constitution is concerned. The pro-
hibition enforcement act having 50 classified
such drinks, with tbs exception Of homemade
cider and wines. the best or the worst, depend
ing upon your point Of view, is upon u.s.. Only
five Of the nine justices concurred in the ma
jority opinion The financial interests involved
in the decision are estimated at a billion dol
lars The lid is apparently being clamped down
tight.
Almost simultaneously with this decision
came the announcement that the fight in New
Jersey and Rhode Island against the constitu-
tional amendment has reached the point where
the Supreme Court, is asked to decide such
points as whether Rhode Island may institute
original proceedings to test the constitutonality
of the amendment, and whether state and fed
eral authorities may be enjoined in New Jersey
from there enforcing the amendment The pro-
hibitionists SMILE They always kick as they
die" they say. But there's nothing mirthful in
the noises emanating from the parched throats
OF tho other side.
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