South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-03-11
MARCH II. 1921
THE PROPOSED DIsHONORABLE PEACE

II seems different in the actually than in con
temptation; different in the white house than on
the front porch at Marion: different with his con-
stituency than it with his supporters. Prest
Harding is beginning to hear from of his own
party; men who willing that the American
PEOPLE be befogged on the League of Nations issue;
that any and every promise no difference what
might be made in order To get the votes: men who
now however, that the time has come when some
thing must be done. are not so sure but that ex-
Pres't Wilson had the germ Of righteousness in his
course after ALL
Facing actuaIities and clothed with the respon-
sibility for them. Prest Harding is finding many
things different than they appeared TO him during
the campaign It is a question of changing his
mind. but rather of recognizing obstacles. which
candidate he would have brushed aside with
"a magic wand. but as president, stand before him
in more mountainous aspects His promise Of
separate peace with Germany following passage OF
the Knox resolution brings him face to face with
one these obstacles. If he undertakes it," says
David Jayne Hill, republican mentioned for the
post of secretary of state in Harding cabinet
former ambassador to Germany and delegate to the
second Hague conference. cit Will bring the United
States into such disgrace as has befallen nation
except Germany, in all history" H continues
ct would be blot on our flag if the United
states concludes separate peace with Ger
morality, the sense of justice would gradually
be extinguished in mems hearts. and the worlds
conscience would be yelled in tragic night. If
many have been buried in vain and if
o commercial preteXt those who tore up
treaties violated neutralities. repudated prom
ises and drenched the world i'm blood could de
part in peace without ever being made to feel
remorse."
What does it mean? II means that Mr.. Hill
a great difference between talking about a thing
critcisng it just for political effect and putting
those criticisms into constructive operation. when
# comes 10 a matter OF actualty. Mr.. was
among the most uproarious opponents Of the Paris
treaty and League of Nations, but he sees now and
seems trying to make Pres't Harding see espec-
ialy with British, French and Belgian troops oc-
cupying additional German territory for purpose
OF enforcing the treaty. that the adoption of the
Knox resolution would be direct affront to them;
a break with them. and practical alliance with
the enemy.
Furthermore the dispatches indicate that Pres't
Harding had much the same awakening as has
come to Mr.. HnL Wherefore there is talk of send
ing a commission to Europe, headed by Elhu Root,
study the whole situation. The purpose of the
commission is camoudage. quite without question.
just Mr.. Hilrs especial reference to the condi-
ton created by the advanced into Germany of
French. English and Belgian troops is camoufage.
The peace adopted in Paris will with very minor
changes. il any. be adopted 10y the United States,
sad the purpose Of the commission etc, is to find
an excuse for such adoption that will obvate the
appearance Of surrender
Recent actions the part of the European al
lies leaves no doubt as to their acceptance of the
Versailles treaty. that is quite satisfactory to
them. and that they to enforce it, Any ac-
ton on our part lending encouragement to Ger
many, or hindering the allies in such enforcement.
makes of us an ally of Germany. 1t is a poll
teal campaign that up against now. is
international relations Pres't Harding faces
something more than reports Of a senate foreign
latons committee. concocted for political effect
something more than the oratory of the committee