The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1921-12-27
EINAN CE|
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~ - ~ ~ 80
The most encouraging recent ~
velopment. from the business poipt
of view, has been the manifestations
of something approaching tho Cmtst.
mas spirit in world affairs. u ~ 4
That is the inner meaning Of the
momentous events here and through
out the world during the last few
months. @.f'; q
A year ago international senti-
ment was far from ChristnasAy.
But what is the position today.
For the first time in the history 81
mankind the representatives Of the
leading peoples Of the earth have
gathered and communed together Tor
tne express purpose OF finding ways
and means calculated to prevent,
lists felt were insurmountable have
been overcome att Washington. y
- =, ~. 80
Whether the agreement may DO
open to certain objections or not,
the understanding reached between
the four strongest powers admittedly
Is an effort on a grand scale 70
bring about peace on earth and good
will among men. I:
Turning your eyes overseas, what
do we see there?
Germany's former enemies appar-
emily have decided to refrain from
inflicting crushing burdens upon the
defeated people and are now earn
estly seeking to tighten their load
so as to give them opportunity to
stay decentralization and restore Ger
many's well -beinR. ~. IS.
Admittedly. this action may be IN
spired by more or less selfish mo-
.tives; yet the truth remains that
there is in it something of the Christ.
mas spirit which was totally lacking
when sthe representatives OF the
world powers sat in session at Paris.
In lOng-vexed Ireland, too, the
spirit of good will promises to pre-
dominate over the spirit Of Ill will.
1t Is almost uncomfortable that Ireland
Will be again plunged into blo0dshed.
The hope is Justified that the Irish
Free State will be peacefully sstab-
lished and new era opened for what
for centuries has been a "distressful
country"
Something of this same spirit of
good will has been manifesting itself
latterly in the relationships between
our own country and our nei9hbor to
the south. Since all parties in au-
thority apparently are anxious to re-
store harmonious diplomatic relations
between the two countries, and since
the citizens of both nations unquee-
tionably favor such q course, tho
probability is that harmony will be
formally and officially established be-
lore the new year Is very old.
Even Russia Is losing much Of her
belligerent attitude and is making
overtures for the restoration Of order
and peace and Cancellation and CO.
operation. The Soviets'. hatred of
everything savoring Of capital and
industry Is dying out, giving way to
liberation, II not good will. -,
From an extremely important
source has come this year good win
toward business. Justly or untustly
the majority OF American business
men harbor the feeling that the last
Administration was not Thoroughly in
sympathy with them, whereas the at
titude of the present Administration
is viewed most kindly.
This development Is accounted by
responsible business and financial
"'.h 90 VI AhiAuitc importance and
value. -'
When the war boom burst, II was
generally feared that the country
would run into a prolonged series of
terrific battles between labor and
capital. between employees and EN-.
ployers. Instead. the painful process
of reimbursement has been effected
thus far with comparatively litfle
strife, and grave labor troubles are
not apprehended, except possibly in
one or two directions in the country.
CThe principal exception is the coal
industry; the possible exception IL
transportation.
year ago consumers were on
strike as it was called. They are
no longer on strike.
In this and other directions ths
spirit of Christmas has during tbs
year now ending made such eratifv.
ing progress that men of. affairs face
mism. VIZ
Copyright, 1921. by B. C. Forbes.)