The Washington times., 1921-03-28

pleasant in the outlook for the next
four years except the prospect OF
reading President Harding's style
In the camp of Mr.. Wilson's follow
ers there has been much curiosity
about what would be the new ad-
mlnistration's irst actual departure
from the policies of its predecessors
4 do not mean mere statements about
policy. but steps actually taken. For
example. the ADMINISTRATORS Russian
policy has been awaited with much
curiosity. Would the Wilson policy
be followed or would the Harding adj
ministration follow Great Britain
Germany. Poland. Italy and several
of the smaller states?
DIFFERENCE OF WORDS.
As a matter of fact, there Is no
difference at all between the wilson
policy and the harding policy on
Russia except in words. Wilson said
he would not play with the Bolshe-
viks because they were wicked people
and ought not to be associated with
by nations that were safe for democ-
racy.
The present administration, now
clearly agreed on its policy, says II
will not do business with Russia un-
til Ii can dictate the extent to which
Russia will depart from Communism
/. bases its interference on the simple
statement that 1t knows, by plenary
inspiration and direct report that
Communism cannot produce.
1t uses economic jargon, and VIII
son used ethical jargon, and there Is
no other difference.
The only way TO escape this conclu-
sion, that the two policies are iden-
ticaI in everything except in words,
is to assume that the conditions laid
down by Mr.. Hughes are a. mere
starting point, susceptible OF inter-
probation and modification. IL they
mean exactly and rigidly what they
say they amount to a refusal. III they
are meant as face-saving noises there
may be some result.
The real question is: Will we trade
on the condition arranged. after
years negotiation. between Great
Britain and Russia, or will we not!
But in diplomacy II is supposed to pc
immoral to put the real question
simply.
IN REGARD TO GERMANY.
Another distinction between mere
language and fundamental fact will
be brought out pretty soon in regard
to Germany There was a good deal
said about an immediate separate
peace, but no steps of any kind are
being taken, and this week 1t VIII ne
necessary to tell NJ. Vivani some
thing about out attitude toward the
dealings of France with Germany.
Do we take any position on that
subject or do we not? And II we 90
NOT, If we wash our hands of the
treaty and the relation between
France and Germany, what are we
going to do about resuming relations
with Germany?
There was a little scrimmage In
executive session that also brings
out the embarrassment about pass
ing from opposition to responsibility.
Senator Lodge by no means relished
the task that falls on him of prov
ing that the Colombian treaty, that
was a bad treaty under wilson, mas
become a good treaty under HARD
ing. Therefore, he tried to arrange
to have the debate carried on In
..ccret when the Senate meets. nut
he was beaten, and he will have to
make the distinction in the open.
DEBs CASE DIFFICULTY.
The Debs case offers another diff
bculty. Mr. Wilson made one OF his
worst errors over the conscientious
,bjectors. showing ferocity not
eoualled in any country in Europe
# Debs is let out alone. favorable
impression will be made at hrst' but
there will be no solution,
The only fundamental change from
wilson's policy would be general
amnesty. Otherwise, a famous man
will be let out and obscure men and
women kept in. That amnesty Is
hoped for, but then there was also
hope by some of new Russian
policy. and by some of a change in
the German situation. ! am writing
about facts at present, not hopes.
The most amusing case is that OF
Col. Il. Lester Jones. In 1916 Mr..
Hughes tried to make a mato issue
of that appointment. He stuck to II
in his campaigning with peculiar per-
tinacity. He contended that II was a
disgrace to fill a scientific post with
a horse doctor. One OF President Har-
ding's first acts was to reappoint
Colonel Jones to the head of the Blu
reau of Coast and Geodetic Survey.
and the appointment was confirmed
Immediately without being even
questioned.
So the Russian outcome does not
stand alone. 1t has plenty Of prece-