Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-05-12
GERMANY

There are two methods of deciding on the terms of
Q business transaction. One is the method often attribut-
ed to the horse trader-that Of haggling. One party
makes an offer which he does not expect to be consid-
efeo seriously and the other responds with a counter
oher equally extreme in the opposite direction. Each
Yields something, but as little as possible, until, in proc
eB OF time, the parties reach common ground. the one
with the greater endurance making the better bargain.
That method does quite often characterize the horse
of Oriental dealers.
The other method is that in which both parties,
from the outset, seek a basis which will be fair to both,
each realizing that business relations to be permanently
beneficial, must be mutually beneficial. and each seeking
to make of every transaction one in a long series Of
which both may derive some benefit.
The former method sometimes yields dollars to the
more sktlfful and tricky of the two contestants. The
latter builds a structure of mutual respec, and conf
dence.
In her negotiations with the Allies Germany has
played the part of the trader and trickster. At no time
has her attitude been characterized by what would be
considered in respectable commercial circles as the real
business spirit. Facing the necessity Of living indefinitely
among her present %neighbors, knowing that she must
continue to do. business with them, she has acted as if
this were her last transaction on earth. and that it was
TO her interest to get out Of it all that she could, by hook
or crook. regardless of the impression that would be left
among those with whom she dealt.
While, unfortunately, she escaped some of the incl
dents Of war which she needed for the good of her soul.
and which the rest of the world needed her to expert
ence, Germany received an awful drubbins, Her i'm
perial plans were shattered, her reisnine dynasty. was
driven from the throne, and instead of collecting tribute
from a group of defeated antagonists with which to re-
pair her shattered fortunes, she was required to pay, to
the limit of her ability, to aid in repairing the damage
which she had wrought.
There is no country in which the difficulties of the
German situation are not recognized, and there is none
among those that have had dealings with her in which
there has not been prevalent the strong desire to reach
such terms Of settlement as would be consistent with
Germanys early economic rehabilitation and her resump-
ton of a place of dignity and honor among the nations.
That willingness on the part Of her neighbors met
no effective response in Germany. Instead, it became evil
dent that the new German regime had inherited many
of the evil tendencies of the old; that it was tricky and
untrustworthy; that instead Of an honest desire to aid
as it could in bearing the burdens of civilization, it was
determined to employ every possible bit Of sharp prac-
lice which might enable it to levy tribute on civilization.
Germany has agreed to accept the terms prescribed
by the Allies. She has agreed, not because she desired
to do the fair thing, but because she was forced to agree.
She resembles the insolvent debtor who, instead of stat
ing his case honestly and frankly, and indicating a desire
to do the very best that he can for his creditors, secretes
his property, falsifies. his records. and in every possible
way plays the part of the scoundrel.
1t is possible, and it is most sincerely to be hoped,
that the/new German administration has a soundcr con-
ception Of honor and morality than has been shown
either by the Hohenzollerns or any of their SUCCESSORS
thus far.