The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1921-03-24
u. s. NOT sHRKING ENEMIES

q. s. NOT SEEKING ENEMIES
Washington. March p The suS
taincd attempt to inveigle the Unite
States into the chickering's Of the OLE
World have taken 3 new turn" de-
elarod the Republican Publicity Asso-
citation, through is president, Hon
Jonathan Bourne. Jr 1T is suggested
that America assume the role Of arbi-
traitor in the situation that has pre-
scented itsclf between Germany and
the allies over the question Of repara-
lions and the resultant occupation Of
German territory. Just why the
United States should undertake such
a delicate mission is not apparent
from the point Of view Of is own well
fare Whatever judgment might be
rendered, a host Of new enemies 70
Amcliea would spring up The deci-
sion would necessarily be a compro-
Misc retreat 10 some extent from
the demands that the allies have
steadfastly adhered TO. Allied feeling
against America would be in proper
ton to the extent Of that abandonment
Of the principles for which their rep
resent.tiycs have fought Again, the
compromise would put upon Germany
obligations inexcess Of the maximum
sum she has indicated her ability 10
pay. Hence an American decision,
should il be made, would be DENOUNCED
by Germany as well as by the allies.
"But why is il a matter for arbitra-
ton at all? There was war. Ger
many was vanquished; practically she
surrendered Internationally. The al
lies ere the victors They are engaged
in the business Of debating terms OF
peace TO the losers. The United
States has no interest in those terms
SO long as they do not interfere with
American right; in fact, so far as
those terms are concerned, the United
States is in the position Of a neutral
II Is a new suggestion in international
relations that a neutral nation should
take any part in the preparation Of
peace terms resulting from war that
las been fought 10 a decision.
but suppose for the sake Of argu-
ment that a question exists that is
suitable for arbitration. Where is the
league Of nations, and all the machin- 1
cry Of the international court that we
were told some months ago had been
set up? Now is the time for the
league and court to assert their excuse
for existence. But Of course il is
silly 10 expect either one Of those
organizations to take single step Of
ITS own volition. They are energized
into action only when the Big Three or
-Four press the button. And appar-
entity il suits the interests Of those
powers first TO attempt TO entangle the
United States in their troubles
Arbitration has seductive
sound. Ordinarily il connotes peace,
an avoidance of conflict, and the diff
fusion Of brotherly love among all
concerned But the part the United
States is 10 be asked 10 play, accord
ing to reports, is no true arbnvatio>.
II may be sucn, put really
its acceptance would involve this ,
country anew in all the strife Of
Europe from which, at the present
we are happily free. We
seek no part in directing the destinies
n the Old World. We do not mean TO !
be entanglcd'
"Those were the words Of President ,
when he assumed Office, and +,
heir sentiment should be as rigidly
adhere to in the face Of an insidious ,
invitation TO 'arbitrate' as il was fol-
owed by the Senate in rejecting the
,ovenant Of the league Of nations"