The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-07
DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE
 "ORDEAL OF FAITH"

ORDEAL OF FAITH
 Official Washington, realizing that the Amer ican people are beginning to view the disarma- ment conference pessimistically, is evidently trying to counteract that influence. Mr. Hard ing feared that too much was expected and reaction followed. Now there is movement under way to restore confidence.
 Upon the shoulders of the American and foreign representatives who will begin their work immediately after the Armistice Day ex- ercises there rests tremendous responsibility. Perhaps there never was another time in the history of the world when so much depended on the decisions to be reached by single group of statesmen. The success or failure of this conference will be felt for centuries. If it suc- ceeds intolerable tax burdens will be lifted from humanity and war will be made remote. if not impossible. It might even come within another decade and involve America.
 Facing such an alternative, we may well say that the conference must not fail. Millions of people have little knowledge of international politics and the selfish interests which are at stake, but they do know that they are weary of war and tired of paying out billions of dol lars for armament that should be diverted to the causes of peace. The weight of this influ- ence is bound to make itself felt in Washington If we are not justified in expecting the confer ence to bring about the millennium, by all means let us face the problems which it rep resents optimistcally, and with faith rather than distrust Ambassador Harvey said it will be an "ordeal of faith" and he spoke the truth. The destiny of nations will be decided on that basis. If faith is strong enough humanity will win a transcendent victory; if not the war lords and militarists will carry out their plans to make the world another shambles.
 
 WATSON CHARGES SHOULD BE
 THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED
 Senator Watson of Georgia, who made sensa- tional charges against the American army in France, is apparently accommodating evidence that cannot be dismissed by sweeping denials Incidentally, high officials who have attempted to refute the Georgia senator's accusations by heaping ridcule and contempt on him are not mending matters.
 No one believes that the American army as whole was lawless corrupt; that a practice was made of hanging soldiers without trial and all officers were guilty of fragrant immortality, but there were abuses of authority and miscon- duct. Senator Watson has made charges which reflect on thousands of conscientious officers whose record is stainless. While they are nat urally quick to resent imputations against the honor of the service, it is to their interest that the fullest investigation be made, so that the blame may be placed where it belongs and the guiltless exonerated.
 There were, unfortunately, some Hard boiled" Smiths in the army. If such officers have heretofore esca~ed censure, it is not too late to make their identities known.
 EASIER MONEY FOLLOWS
 BETTER BUSINESS
 Does easier money make good times, or does it follow good times? The question is apropos. Business was undoubtedly better before redis- count rates were reduced.
 Cotton values increased, sheet steel mills had reached almost 100 per cent production, rail mills had received large orders for new busi- ness and wire drawing mills had attained pro- ducing capacity of TO per cent, compared with one of 20 per cent.
 All building materials have been active for sometime. Indications of larger export de- nand for steel products antedated the new Found life in the money market. The trans-