Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-08-09
Tuesday, August 8, 1921.
OPEN AND AgOVEBOARD


olrstionr HIVE not tie world polit-
i.ans vet learned their lesson from
The wreck that followed on the peace
that vas written in secret: the
World Nar Was thc logical, natural
ard incyitab Die result of the practices
OF secret diplomac! Men lad down
their arms under the urg" Of the
promise and agreement that the OLD
order had passed, that in the new We
we're 10 have open covenants, openly
arrived at and new order IN lhe
conduct OF world affairs
This from Editor and Publisher in
PRODUCES q vigorous argument for
open covenants openly arrived at
to be made an accomplished fact
such as it vas not at the Paris con-
ference. II is urged that the Amer
lean press is in an enviable position
to demand reasons for decisions ana
not final conclusions arrived at IN Sc
cret," that prior to the conference
there should be a meeting at Wash
irgton Of the representative press
men OF the world, that this would
have a wholesome influence on the
conference.
Not only would il be possible so 70
eyert A wholesome influence on the
conference, but likewise on the press
AN open conference and enlightened
publicity would be true to the best
traditions of this republic 1t is
urged. II might be added that an
open conference unaided by enllght-
ened publicity would fall short OF its
purpose And We can think OF no
reasonable objection to such pre-
lminary meeting of the representa-
tives of the worlds leading news
papers. Thus it would be possible to
have a comparison of view points, a
more intimate knowledge Of national
conditions likely to affect the repre-
sentatives of that nation in confer
ence, and a clearer comprehension of
the general situation than might be
attained in any other way.
The conference called to consider
the limitation of ornaments through
out the world should be the most
noteworthy gathering ever assem-
bled At that, it will be composed of
human beings. susceptible to influ-
ences affecting human beings, and
any conclusions they may reach
must if they become effective re-
ceive the support of human beings.
While they should have an eye sin
gle TO the work of the conference it
would be folly to suppose the politi-
cal conditions of the people they are
70 represent will not affect their
vision.
The representatives of the press, as
is said, would. in great degree at
least, be "unhampered b" diplomatic
ties or international influence" and
should be capable OF making as sane
conclusions as might be attainable,
other things being equal, but wheth-
er those could be made with absolute
disregard OF the newspapers affilia-
tions at home is questionable BE
that as IL may the possibility Of ac-
compl.shing something worth while
is sufficiently promising to warrant
an effort.
The free flow OF news without in
reference of any government, as
well as inter nation communications
ny mail, cable and radlo-matters
that need immediate attention if we
are to have understanding all
peoples are in receptive mood -
would very properly be discussed at
such gathering Of the press.
IN considering The open discus
siors of the affairs OF the peoples Of
the World, We must not forget that
under secret diplomacy news is sun
being suppressed; poisonous propa
aanda is still being spread broad
cast; legitimate sources OF govern
ment information are stil! contami-
mated and behind lies. secret trading
is still being carried on in manner
that Is making proper understanding
ard justice harder and harder to at
tain"
The free flow Of news" should be
insisted on and q conference OF press
representatives ought to help in ex-
ppSinp tho "poiSopnps ,r0r,,ora. ;,
which. If accomplishing much, must
be finding channels FOR distribution
through the public press
While insisting on the fullest pub
iicity possible the public will do we'll
10 bear in mind that no human agen-
cy exists which may successfully re
quire all consideration of the ques-
tons IN conference to be conducted
in open session. Even the Senate of
the United States finds it best to
make use of executive sessions, oc-
casionally, and so long as men are
what they are groups will get to-
gether outside the forum and adjus.
differences and agree on programs.
Indeed it may be questioned whether
We're it possible to do so, it would be
advantageous to have all censidera-
ton conducted on the floor of the con-
ference. The town meeting method is
mighty good one, has accomplished
and may accOmnliSh Wonderful re-