Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1921-11-26
EVENTS OF A WEEK.

EVENTS OF A WEEK.
The first week OF the armament conference at
Washington was marked by unanimity in the ex-
pressions Of the various delegations of the strong
desires OF the nations for peace, and Of a desire to
cooperate in the creation of conditions whereby
peace may be rendered the more secure. The sec
ond week has been marked by the placing of empha-
sis on several OF the numerous points concerning
which the delegates are not agreed. The impulsive
and emotional, who were waited to supreme heights
Of enthusiasm by the Hughes proposals for naval
reduction and the favorable reception to these pro-
posals are now likely to be proportionally despond-
ent over the fact that there have been discovered
IN the international situation elements on which the
powers represented are not i'll agreement.
4 X X X
: Premier BRAND. Of France, in a powerful ad-
dress, set forth the conditions which, in the judg-
ment OF his government, make the maintenance OF
a powerful French army essential to the security of
France and to the maintenance of the peace of the
world. No formal action has been taken, nor was
any expected at this time, with reference to land
ornaments, but the statement of the case of France
was received blythe conference with evident appre-
cation and sympathy. M. BRAND, on the eve of
his departure for home. expressed himself we'll sat
isied with the attitude of the other delegates to-
ward France. The apparent harmony was narred
by a jangling note sounded by Lord Curzon, Brit
lsh foreign secretary, in a London address, in which
that official, apparently with more force than tact.
NA0hAiAS oSoiiioL what lax IllCl d > II z
gressive spirit Of the French government.
The adjustment of relations il, the Far East
has been known all along to present more difficult
problems than the scrapplng of ships or the curtail-
ment OF armies. As the discussions have touched
on that subject its difficulties have come out into
strong relief. The Chinese fear Japan and resent
everything in the nature Of Japanese domination.
japan desires room for her people, and is unwilling
to r%el1nqu1sh any advantages which she has gained
on the ASlatlC continent Zach .Cf the u,eetorp E,-
ropean nations represented has important interests
in the east, and the reconciliation Of these varied
interests on the basis of a China left free to delevop
her own possibilities for her own benefit, with the
open door tor all nations on equal terms, constitutes
an issue which is likely to require time and wisdom
i'll its adjustment. m..
The outstanding features OF the conference thus
Tar may be said to be the strong probability of a
naval reduction on substantially the lines laid down
by Secretary Hughes; recognition of the peculiar
needs OF France for security to insure which a large
french army seems at present to be the only means
steadfast opposition by the United States to any
change iii the naval arrangements which will result
IN making Japan proportionately more powerful at
sea than was proposed in the Hughes plan sub
stantial agreement by all the nations represented ON
the abolition by them OF their extra territorial priv
1leges in China. with the understanding thar this
withdrawal cannot be undertaken until China her
self shows greater political stability than at present.
+ + X
The Irish negotiations again appear to be on
the verge OF a final and fatal break. Premier Craig
OF Ulster has been in conference with the British
cabinet. and at this writing no arrangement with
Ulster has been made. Just at this moment there
IS indicated the possibility that Ulster might con-
sent to some arrangement for an aIl-Ireland parlia-
,nent provided she were assured of the acceptance
by Sim Fem of British sovereignty, This assur-
ance Lloyd George says he is unable to give. Ap-
'parently the Sim Fein leaders are still intractable
on their theory OF separate nationality. Moderates
among them are said to be urging a modification OF
the extreme position of their associates. but no
progress is indicated.
The 9th congress adjourned on "Wednesday
just III time to enable the members to include
Thanksgiving day in the brief recess before the on.
cni1g OF the regular session in December. This
congress has dealt with an unusual number of i'm,
portart problems, and the speed with which its
work was rushed during the last DAYS of the session
was IN strong contrast tc the sluggish action of the
early weeks.
Inc revenue act was the most important piece
Of Legislation to occupy the attention OF the two
houses. in the closing hours. This bill, which has
been under consideration for weeks, was finally
passed in the form reported by the conference com.
flittee. Practically none Of the members find in
the bill Just what they desired, but when all the
compromises within reach had been made it was
evident that It was a case of this bill or nothing.
Rather than permit the matter to 20 bv default
members swallowed their objections and accepted
the bill. It is generally believed that 4 new bill
will be framed before long.
The news columns have carried day-by-day
accounts OF the proceedings at Bismarck III which
4 new governor, attorney general and commissioner
at agriculture and labor have been installed III mace
Of the three officials retirtdsby the votes of the pco-
a pc m the first election In which state officials were
elected. Governor Nestos IS IN charge Of the execu-
tive Offices, and has started iii on fhe nerfor,narce