Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-04-26
UNCLE SAM A FACTOR

in defeating Germany is entitled to
voice in the settlement, indeed is I'M
der obligations to a certain extent to
see that the settlement is a proper
one. Because we are compelled I'M
der the conditions to make a separ-
ate peace does not alter that funda-
mental fact. Recognition of this has
been consistently insisted on. Sec
rotary Colby's attitude on the qu"s-
tion of mandates. Secretary Hughes
insistence respecting the island of
yap are on the same basis as his
correspondence about the German
reparations.
Though refusing Germany's re-
quest to act as mediator he takes
occasion again to call attention to
our rights in the controversy, in these
words: Impressed, however, with
the seriousness of the issues in
volved. as they affect the whole
world. the Government of the United
States feels itself to be deeply con-
cerned with the question of obtain
ing an early and just solution" A
logical result of this is his offer to
transmit to the allies any proposals
Germany cares to make, which our
basis for discussion" On the other
hand it indirectly involves us in a
controversy from which many will
instinctively shrink.
1t is probable that very large
number of Americans would prefer
to leave the whole settlement with
the allies, as we are asking none of
the indemnity and have no occasion
TO make the terms easier for Ger
many. that will not get her just
deserts when the last mark possible
has been insisted on. We all know
that she has whitfield and lied, and
crawled and defied by turns. She
can make no agreements we may
trust, having shown no disposition to
abide by those she has made.
Under such conditions why should
the United States put herself in the
position Of recommending certain
proposals for acceptance, which, it is
argued, would be the effect of trans
hitting such proposals as we might
find reasonable? On the ground of
are others. Assuming the present
situation in Europe is inflicting
grievous injury on all concerned, and
no one denies it, there is no avoiding
the consequent obligation for this.
We helped to bring Germany to her
knees, we must help to put her on her
feet to the extent that she may be
self-supporting. Those who think
the United States may live to her.
self are exceedingly dull of compre-
hension, for they learned nothing
from the war We tried to hold aloof
and were not permitted to do SO.
We are not to be permitted to disre-
gard the situation in which the war
has left the world.
Because We have refused to sub
ject this country to a super-govern-
ment is no suggestion that we abate
our interest or abrogate our rights.
That interest and those rights must
be maintained. Undoubtedly Wood
row Wilson, because he fully realized
this, expected to compel the adop-
ton of his combination of League
and Treaty. Otherwise he hardly
would have been so dictatorial. Re-
fusing to submit to his dictation has
complicated and rendered more diff
cult the position this country holds
with respect to the settlement of the
war. Difficult though the problems
be, however, we have for their solu-
ton cooperation among our ablest
men. There doubtless are many fea-
lures with which they are acquaint-
ed, but with which the general pub
lie is not. We must place confidence
in their judgment.
In this particular matter of the
reparations we can see how, Indirect
iy but effectively, the State Depart
ment is in position such that the
eyes Of the world waiting the solu-
ton will be turned to Washington.
rather than to Paris or to London.
1t is conceivable that our Govern
ment will endeavor to hasten the
settlement as much as possible. The
promptness of it's reply to the Ger
man note is evidence Of that: but it
will naturally consult with represen-
tatives Of the allies before taking any
definite steps in the matter. Before
it sends on any proposals formulated
by Germany we may be assured they
will have serious consideration and
every effort win be made to secure
the cooperation Of our allies. That