The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-21

w THAT is left of Germany, stripped
M beyond the expectation of prob
ably even most of her victors.
is pitiful enough. Still, the best Of her peo-
pie realize the essential object lessons Of
Germany's past and this ground, both
ideal and actual, Germany. it can be said
with some degree of assurance, is bound to
survive her present crisis.
No one obviously can. predict details in
the course of present events: worse days
may still he ahead for Germany, but even So
the last two years have plainly evidenced
the absurdity of some predictions that the
German people such could be wiped pff
the earth. A further fact must have be
come apparent namely, that the German
people cannot be made slaves forever and
yet contribute to the worlds work and to
the worlds production intelligently loyally
and efficiently.
IL dawns upon even those who seem
to MAKE revenge their religion that indemni-'
ties and reparations cannot be realized I'M
less the creditor is ready to allow his debtor
a minimum of spontaneous activity and to
guarantee him some such essentials as fairly
adequate living conditions nourishment. raw
materials and freedom Of traffic.
If Germany is to live up to her former
reputation which I understand is the ex-
pectation of the best minds especially in
America, where the record of industrial
Germany is high for thrift. adaptability.
righteousness and patience. then she should
be given a fair start after almost crushing
humiliation.
Discredits Report That Germany
CovertIy Plans War of Revenge.
To that end it would be wise to discount
certain reports which continue to describe
the German people. including its present
Government. as masquerading and covertly
attempting the impossible. /. e., a war OF
revenge upon, her western neighbor. 1t may
safely be said that there 1t not the slightest
prospect of popularizing resort to force I,
bring liberation. and much less so to restore
the so-caled old system.
Under these material and mental condi-
tons Germany realizes that her salvation
cannot come through a miracle but that 1t
must be achieved solely through her own
energy along the dictates of clear cut
policy of safe and sound interaction among
and labor which ultimately must find it's
outlet in cooperation with other nations of
the world.
Cooperation, however, If not a mere empty
word, must mean cooperative work on terms
of reciprocity with mutual credit and trust
freely extended There are hopeful signs In
spite of undeniabe Generalization In Ger
many of to-day: I refer to the wholesome
disapproval by the majority of the people of
the parasites and prohteers who unfortu-
nately have helped to create entirely wrong
impressions in foreign countries
Germany's interest in politics is keener
than ever. yet 1t must be stated with regret
that partisan strife and idiosyncrasy sap
heavily the best resources of her intellectual
ability. At this time the lesson from Amer
lea TO rally around the banner: America
first and local politics next" seems lesson
which, If applied TO German conditions
might well be watched and followed II
would mean setting TO work huge forces here
tofore scattered and almost impeding the
progress much needed not only for Ger
many but for the general good of the entire
world