Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-01-24
EVENTS OF A WEEK.

8 EVENTS OF A WEEK.
The government Of Holland has
declined To accede to the request Of
the Allied governments for the de-
livery to them for trial Of William
OF Hohensollern. late emperor OF
Germany. The reply was received in
Paris on Friday, and its text will be
made public as soon Al it has been
deciphered and put in form. This
refusal has been generally expected,
hence the chief interest In 1t will lie
in whatever basis 1t may present for
a continuation OF the negotiations,
or. for their removal in some other
form.
1t has been suggested, among the
speculations, that the Dutch govern
ment might refuse to ~urrend the
former kaiser except upon the demand
Of his own country, Germany, in which
case a demand might be made on
Germany TO secure and deliver her
former monarch. While the Allies
have the means to apply irresistible
pressure TO Germany, there is a ques-
tion as\ to just how far they might
be willing to go in the exercise OF
This power. If William were still an
inhabitant OF Germany, there would
be nc question as to the obligation OF
the German government TO surren-
der him, as that is stipulated in the
bond. But whether or not the COM
pact which Germany has signed
would involve the obligation to re-
autreS her 10 take steps to bring him
back from a foreign country is an
Intricate question to which more than
ono answer would certainly be given.
II the refusal Of Holland is definite
and unconditional. it ma be regard
ed as final, for. however strong may
he the desire that William shall be
called to answer for his onenses. be-
fore, a world court. and however
strong may be the objections to his
continued protection by the Dutch
government. there is not the remotest
probability that any attempt will be
made to use coercion in the matter.
! p,
The decision of the Allied govern
ments to raise the blockade against
Russia continues to be the subject of
much speculation. Most Of the COM
ment which has appeared has been
either nnfavorable or doubtful and
there is a quite general disposition
TO regard the decision as u compro-
mise with ar enemy OF civilization,
inspired chiefly by political coneid-
erations which have influenced the
decision OF Premier Lloyd George.
Another aspect Of the situation is pre-
scented. however, in statements issued
from GkraniAn and. other sources
antasonistic to the Soviet government,
and from this latter standpoint it is
asserted that the raising Of the block
ade will be advantageous to the
Bolsheviki in that it will enable the
masses of the people, residents OF
districts not under Bolshevik control,
and who are seeking to establish
governments on a basis OF real de-
mocracy. to exchange commodities Of
which they have a superabundance
for others of which they are in need.
The daily press dispatches have re-
ported quite regularly progress to-
ward a better understanding on the
peace treaty. though readers arc left
in doubt as to the precise measure
of that progress. Thi. is inevitable.
because the present negotiations
through which it is hoped hat an
agreement may be reached are in
formal and not open to the public.
Public sessions on the subject have
been encctual chiefly in confirming
the participants in the opinions
which they already held. The pri-
rate conference cannot we'll be less
successful. Optimistic observers in
Washington hope that il working
,sasis may be reached within a few
days
FlCAtAlVS nave peen IN PEOSreSk LOT
several days to determine the elisi-
bility OF the five Socialist members
elect to seats in the New York state
assembly. Interesting features Of
this case have been the statements
made by eminent mon who cannot
he suspected Of any ympathy with
xeditious doctrines in opposition TO
the exclusion OF these five men un-
der the existing circumstances. Such
statements have been made by for
HIer Governor hughes and Senator
Hisam Johnson, and Mr.. Hughes
headed . committee of the New York
RaY association which asked 10 par
ticipate in the hearings on behalf OF
the general public. This was denied,
an the chairman Of the assembly held
that members OF this committee could
not properly participate unless they
appeared IS representatives Of the ac-
rused. AS the case ia shaping it ap-
4psars that the issue oh which it il
To he determined il whether or not
ttese men, by accepting the nomina-
stion and appearing as the candidate.
az fhe Socialist party have thereby 30
committed themselves to doctrine.
destructive of American constitutions
S4pvernment as to demonstrate their
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