Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-01-27
SHANTUNo THE KEY TO PEACE

LfVEN the most unalterable friends Of the
IL Treaty Of Versailles. including Mr.. Will
son. have refrained from defending on any
ethical grounds those clauses establishing
Japan as the heir of Germany in the Shan
tung Peninsula. The most that has ever
been said by pro treaty Americans on be-
half Of Section VIII is that il constituted
sacrifice to expediency, a Difference to COM
promise necessary to tho framing Of the In
strument.
The Battalion Of Death in Congress was
guilty OF many absurdities, but It's expressed
aversion TO the Shantung deal was not In
that category.
II is genyally conceded In this country
that the japanese occupation Of Kiao- Cbau
savored OF indefensible aggression against q
nation too weak for effective resistance.
An equitable settlement Of the Shantung
difficulty could not fail to give the Arms
Conference good name. In the Senate
criticism of the various treaties which will
be submitted for appraisal would be rem
dered almost impotent were the shadow Of
Shantung eliminated. Pacts preserving a
status quo based upon justice must prove
embarrassing to the most determined ir-
reconcilables.
That Mr.. Harding is not overlooking any
OF these possibilities is a commonplace, dra.
matically confirmed by his Intervention In
the negotiations whereby the japanese and
Chinese delegates to the Conference have
been seeking TO reach an understanding.
American spokesmen for the Adminlstra-
ton have described the present differences
between the two Oriental contngcnts as
'infiniteslmal." The problem, it appears,
has been reduced to antagonistic views upon
the control of the Tslngtao Tsinanfu Rail-
way.
The complete evacuation Of Kiao- Chau by
Japan IS now contingent upon accord upon
this highly important transportation factor
The japanese have proposed the purchase Of
the road by China with treasury notes, pay
able five to fifteen years hence, with posscs-
sion assured for the Chinese within five
years. The plan provides for the retention
or japanese traffic manager and chief &C.
countant during the payment period and the
abandonment Of the Chinese loan PROPOSE
tion.
Mr.. Harding's appeal TO Minister SEE Is
said to have emphasized the immense gains
to stability In the Far East certain to accrue
from acceptance Of these terms.
The position of the Pekin Government
somewhat suggests that of Ireland at the
climax OF the London parley. In that his
toric meeting academic devotion TO q hy-
pothesis was eventually 'renounced in favor
of broad realization of responsibilities.
Detalis or the railway management in
Shantung are, of course, important, but
they are not the less subordinate to the
evacuation question. 1t would be the part
OF unwisdom to confuse the lesser issue with
the greater.
The confidence which the Chinese have
for years entertained respecting the Far
Eastern policies Of the United States lends
particular significance to Mr.. Harding's In
terposition. In this instance the President,
who has refrained from direct participation
In the Washington Conference, occupies the
role OF an impartial jurist.
II Mr. Harding's personal arbitration
bears fruit, the results will most happily
affect domestic as well as foreign affairs.
The vast majority Of Americans long for
smooth career of the forthcoming batch
OF treaties in the Senate. 1t will be a con-
siderable task to assemble the storm clouds
II the syllables of Shantung no longer RING
like q curse