The Washington herald., 1921-06-05
French War Passions Moderating
In View of Real Need of Peace;
Must Buy Goods of Former Foes

and they demand just payment, but
they want a pact of peace with the
German democracy. They hope that
il Germany shows an honest effort
to pay the indemnities and to es-
tablish a real republican policy, de-
structive of junker reaction. there
is no reason why peace should not
prevail in Europe"
NJ Blum's own opinion is that
passion is gradually dying out ana
that more moderate, reasonable and
realistic views are at work.
II see the first glimmer of light
ahead" he said. Il believe that be-
fore the year has passed Germany
will be admitted to the league of
nations and will cooperate in the
reconstruction of Europe. 1 believe
the mass of people in all countries
will demobil.ze and get to work to
revive trade in a good progressive
spirit. They are sick and tired of
all this political passion. What
they want is a decrease in the cost
of living and relief from crushing
taxes
Passion SOLDERING Down.
- PASOoOASC AAol DAuIn 10
rather too optimistic in this belief,
but l have no doubt that many
French people, especially of the
working classes, are beginning 70
reason in the way he indicates On
the other hand, they are still very
susceptible to passionate oratory
and to pride in their military
genius 1t is significant that young
Nallad 70 he T. a = q
class for occupation of the Ruhr
valley were very bellicose and
thoroughly disappointed that it did
not happen. A sudden wave of
passion passed over France from
which they are now SOLDERING down.
l am bound to say that 1 see no
great hope for France in the future
unless there is a complete change
OF international philosophy in Eu-
rope by the closing up of the
democracies in all countries. A
continued policy of hatred between
Germany and France would in
evitably lead to new conflict in
a generation or two, or much less
than that, and another victory like
the last would destroy France.
Given peace, however, and a gradual
VI bhc war CoslS, FRANCE
will prosper.
French Peasants Prosper.
Even now her Industrial recovery
is remarkable. Although the ma
tional debt is enormous-namely
800 milliards of francs-the in
dividual man and woman is doing
we'll The French peasants are al
most rich. Many small farmers
have made little fortunes. The costs
OF living are high, but the wages
OF labor are high also, and there
is no poverty visible. Everywhere
in France there are numbers of
small capitalists owning their own
shops. factories, fields and business,
SO that the wealth is not concen-
trated in few hands, but is widely
distributed. That is a cure against
revolution and is a source of ma
tional strength.
The curse of France, according to
one distinguished Frenchman / have
met is summed up in their word
panache.' That is hardly to be
translated. Literally 1t means
plume, but it synchronizes love of
glory furl of flag and beat of drum.
Nhat dominates their thoughts is,
nrst' the economic future of France
how to wipe out that monstrous
oebt-and national security against
the German war of revenge Eng
land seems to them abominally pro-
herman. Nothing will get il out of
thelr heads that Lloyd George Is in
the hands of international nnanciers
VINO are playing the German game.
They do not realize or believe
mat the English policy is governed
by the same motive as their own
namely, peace. but that, whereas
they believe no peace is possible
should Germany regain her strength.
the British believe no peace is pos
sioie unless Germany has hone os
prosperity and fair dealing after tba
payment of her pledges. and ,bat
is the wide difference Of noIicv that
will be difficult to bridge.
am inclined to think tbs, q
Will grow wider without spcb
bridge unless moderate oninion IN
both countries rises above ~. 80,
actinnaries and the asitators ana
reafhrms the entente cordiale on the
open basis of self interest. as we'll
as sentiment. 1t Is Absolutely nee
essary for present ana future
friendships between England and
france that Lloyd Georges refer
ence to new friends and old friends,
ninting plainly at German friend
ship and French isolation. should
De wiped out by generous and over
whelmins proof Of affection and
LOYALTY by the British people.
otherwise France might be con-
nrmed In the worst suspicious of
her journalists and take steps ac-
cordingly' to act alone while she
has the power
tcspyrsht. is2i.) 4