Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1921-11-17
The Scene Changes

HE first stage OF the Washington con-
ference has ended. Now there is n
complete change Of scene. The actors are
the same, but their parts are vastly differ
ont. The first session OF the conference
was n carefully staged drama, the climax
of which brought the world to its feet
thrilled as It had not been since Armisice
Day. The second session was scarcely less
spectacular, when the nations, upon whose
decision armament reduction depends, one
after the other arose in the conference and
committed themselves irrevocably in princi-
pie to the Hughes suggestions for its ac-
compishment.
with that the curtain was rung down on
the prologue. The world has been electri-
fed by the hope OF easement OF its arma-
nent burdens, and It has been bewildered
by the seeming completeness of the inter-
national accord on proposal which was
expected TO breed bitter discord before n
common ground could be reached Now the
second stage begins. AS the tumult and
the shouting over the apparent success Of
Tie early days of the conference recede
the public is politely shown the door while
the real work gets under way in the seclu-
sion OF committee rooms a daily com
Munlque Will convey 10 the world such in
formation as the conference deems proper
1t should have, and with that it will have
70 be satisfied II is not the American way,
and only the ultimate results will determine
whether or not it Is The best way.
1t has been demonstrated in open con-
terence that there is a common ground on
which the nations can stand if thew will
Whe'her they will make the sacrifices ncccs-
sarv TO bring them together there whether
they will consent TO harmonic their differ
cnces in the same spirit OF cooperative cor
Tor the future to answer We have wit
messed the bland courtesy Of the Old World
diplomats; now we must content ourselves
III patience while in secret they discha ,ge
the various tasks they were sent here TO
discharge
Hope may run high but faith may be
Curbcd pending the results Notifications
OF the armament reduction plan and final
agreement thereon are a mere bagatcllc
compared to the real problems The for
i"er can be adjusted overnight; the latter
arc the rocks on which disaster will come
If it comes. The Far Eastern controversies
may be harnonizeh by the Chinese formula.
However, its qualifications are many and
lar reaching and OF such vital ilnpor-
lance TO Japan that easy settlement may
not 'De expected The Anglo-Jap alliance
may be renounced, but this country must
be satisfied that there will be no substitute
agreement after the conference has adj
J"urncd. Otherwise We shall have been out
witted. France must be satisfied tina, Ger
many has been removed as a menace before
!, can consent to reduction of land armo
ihents. Il new factor which has been injected
into the conference by NJ BRAND Once
ms phase Of world affairs is gone into. the
problem becomes so vast that the solution
cannot he forcsecn
so let there be no premature rejoicing.
iohg step has been taken, but there is
many weary mile 10 travel before we can
say with assurance that the conference has
nech success Pending that time. per-
maps 'he most encouraging thought is that
America has regaincd its leadership So
icng as it continues to lead tho main wiz
lie toward peace