The Washington herald., 1921-08-28
. q . . . .
By Sir Philip Gibbs

tions in order to a certain scale OF wages in
certain trades appeals, not to the moral judg-
ment of public opinion, but challenge by force
The anarchical results OF such action by the mi-
norites Is perceived by many minds, and lately
there is clear tide of opinion in England and France
running towards abandonment of force
gumcnt in social and industrial disputes.
Labor extremists who are in favor Of revolu-
tionary action have been thrown down heavily, and
the most significant thing that has happened in Great
Brains industrial life since the coal strike the
decision by the Welch and the Yorkshire miners to
abandon the idea of general strike and to expel
all violent agitators from their ranks.
Herbert Smith. their strongest leader, has public
ly stated his conviction that labor must win its
battles not by fighting public opinion, but by gain
suason
The Communists have lost all but their last foot
hold in France Germany and England, and Commun-
ism has been killed. not BY reactonary violence, but
by the Liberal common Of the laboring classes,
who better way to advance than by civil war
fare and destruction.
In international affairs clear vision of that kind
is apparent, because national egotism is still
intense and national interests passionatey at vari-
ance, but the recent action OF the allied supreme
council Upper Silesia is one acknowledgment
that the jury of public opinion is likely to give
just verdict the problem of national rights and
that violence the part of minories or majorties
is proof of right. =
1t was, fancy not love of justice which made
the supreme council refer the problems of Upper ST.
1esa to the league of nations. 1t was an open con-
fession to the world that France and Great Britain
were hopelessly divided the fundamental principles
of European policy, and, therefore, the supreme
council itself had come to the end. Of its power.
TN future it will no longer be able to impose its
i decisions Europe, because house divided
against itself cannot stand.
cfa c1,y
because of the pledge by France and by Great Br-
tain to abide by the decision of the league of nations
1t is the biggest step forward yet made towards a
world system. for this is not trivial question,
but that most passonately regarded in France,
Germany, Poland and England.
It has in its settlement all the possibilities of
future peace, not only the frontiers of ST.
1esia, but throughout Europe; of another Armageddon
from which America would not be insulated.
Ambassador Harvey says it is purely European
problem in which the United States is interested
but so Germany's attack on France and Belgium,
in which America became very much interested.
Upper Siesia remote from England
but if the old system of thought prevails France and
Poland may be ranged against Germany and Russia
while England and America might have to intervene
to Europe and themselves
Now, if the league of nations arrived at decision
recognized just and accepted loyalty by all partie
it will be clear proof that mankind is moving to
wider acknowledgements OF moral laws If not
then it is not. 80.
1t is doubtful whether the German the Polish
communities in Upper Silesa the greater govern
ments behind them would resist verdict imparally
given by the league but if they fell back armed
force as an argument, which is possible later on it
would be to bark back 10 world Of anarchy from
which we trying to escape.
think that the argument might be applied
to Ireland now The Irish people are confroNted
peculiarly with those problems which stated at Nhe
beginning of this message. Their demand for liberty