The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-30

responsibility. We have quite enough
to bear without drawing to ourselves
all the i'll feeling which would re-
suit from disappointed hopes and a
settlement which was viewed as
forced upon nations by this country
which at the same time is demanding
the payment of its debts.
But the situation does call for
settlement upon its merits. The
first condition of satisfactory set
tlement is that the question should
be taken out of politics. Statesmen
have their difficulties, their public
opinion, the experience which they
must face. 1t is to be hoped they will
effect settlement among themselves
and a coming meeting at Paris will
find solution. But If 1t does not
what should be done? The alterna-
tive of forcible measures to obtain
PREPARATIONS is not an attractive one.
No one can foretell the extent of the
serious consequences which might
ensue from such a course. Apart from
political results 1 believe that the
opinion of experts is that such meas
ures viii not produce reparations
payments, butemight tend to destroy
the basis Of those payments which
must be found in economic recuper-
alton.
Establish Ability To Pay
If however, statesmen cannot
agree and such an alternative is
faced what can be done? Is there not
another way out? The fundamental
condition is that in this critical mo-
ment the merits of the question Is
an economic one must alone be re-
garded. Sentiment, however natural
must be disregarded mutual recrim-
nations are of no avail reviews of
the past, whether accurate or in I
accurate. promise nothing; asser-
tions Of blame on the one hand and
excuses on the other come to naught
There ought to be way for
can pay. for no matter what claims
may be made against her, that is the
limit of satisfaction. There ought to
be way to determine that limit and
to provide a financial plan by which
immediate results can be Obtained
and the European nations can feel
that the foundation, has been laid
for their earnest endeavors to bring
about the utmost prosperity to which
the industry of their people entitle
them.
IF statesmen cannot agree and
exigencies of public opinion make
their course difficult. then there
should be called to their aid those
who can point the way to a solu-
ton.
Invite Experts
why should they not invite men
" the highest authority in finance
in their respective countries-men Il
such prestige, experience and honor
that their agreement upon the
amount to be paid, and upon a finan-
tial plan for working out the
payments, would be accepted
throughout the world us the most au-
thoritative expression obtaina Die,
Governments need not bind them
selves In advance to accept the recon-
mendations but they can. at least.
make possible such an inquiry with
their approval and free the men who
may represent their countries In
such commission from any respon-
sibility to foreign offices and from
any duty to obey political instruc-
tons. In other words they may in :.
vite an answer to this difficult and
pressing question from men of such
standing and in such circumstances
OF freedom as will insure reply
prompted only by kne wledge and
conscience.
Il have no double that DISTINGUISHED
in such commission. If govern
ments saw fit.to reject the recon-
mendation upon which such a body
agreed, they would be free to do so,
but they would have the advantage
of impa rtial ADVICE and OF an en-
lighteneds public opinion Peoples
would be informed, the question
would be rescued from assertion and
counter assertion and the problem
put upon its waylto solution.
General Conference Futile
Il do not believe any general con-
ference would answer the purpose
better, much less that any political
would accomplish result
which premiers find it impossible to
reach. But l do believe that a small
group given proper freedom OF ac-
ton. would be able soon to devise
proper plan"