The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-03
PRESS ON LAUSANNE MEET

by this nation in foreign conferences has excited much comment in the United States as well as abroad. The speech of Ambassa- dor Child, laying down the principles on which this nation would have the Near East questions settled, shows that we are no longer merely Observers" but that the republicans have rediscovered the necessity for our par ticipation in international affairs, just as was accepted a matter of course in the days of Woodrow Wilson's leadership Although he may have delivered his speech with great show of originality, there is nothing in Mr. Child's utterances that are not com monplaces of American foreign policy.
 The press, as usual, interprets the address for the most part according to the color of their prejudices or political backgrounds. Perhaps the bitterest criticism comes from such newspapers as the New York World, which sees in our participation in the dis cussions at Lausanne only an administration attempt to bolster the interests abroad of our great ofl companies. If 1t had not been for that, thinks the World, we would have been observers only, if indeed represented at all. The World forgets, however, that during the administration of Woodrow Wilson similar representations were made with respect to the relations between the various powers and their mandate territories, the opinion at that time being expressed by our gov ernment that no special concessions should be enjoyed by 8 mandatory power. MT. Child calls for the "open door" in Near East fields of exploitation and commerce.. That is na- tiopal policy, not partisan policy. The only criticism is that the republicans have made it partisan issue by not earlier following { this policy. We partially disarm criticism by asking nothing for ourselves alone, but equal opportunity for all nations, large or small, rich, or poor. Indeed, we make 1t pos sible for the Turks and others to have a share in developing their own resources, something they cannot now do by reason of the tripartite agreement to which Italy, France and England are parties. The Child speech is democratic triumph, for 1t is cele- brated with thunder appropriated from Woodrow Wilson, although MT. Wilson would be the last to rebuke the plagiarism, for he meant his doctrines for the veal of the na- ton and of the world.
 On far safer ground is the Memphis Com mercial-Appeal in Ks opinion that it would have been better for us to have deferred our expression of sentiment and Kept our mouth shut about separate Turkish treaty until after the other treaty had been signed and ratified. As we are now proceeding we are doing more harm than good, while at the same time we arc lowering the world opinion of our honesty and sincerity" Even better would 1t have been for us never to have for saken our obligations in connection with the Versailles treaty and the League of Nations, for then we could have made our voice heard without any imputation upon our motives. Nevertheless, in spite of the Appeals niis- givings, the nations outside of the tripartite agreement rejoice at our vigorous exposition of the rights in the case, while even in France editorial opinion does not doubt our sincerity. Very likely, the fact that we re- iterate sentiments frequently expressed dur ing and directly after the way reacts in our favor.
 The New York Times believes that we placed too much emphasis upon the material features of the situation and did not dwell sufficiently upon the necessity of protection of private life and property from Turkish greed and ferocity. There Is something to be said for this view. The Times, however. most of the high cards and Encouraged them little too much" If we blazed just course, we cannot be cepsured for the chips falling according to the laws of gravity. Be- sides, it i'll becomes American journals to ac- cuse our state department of unlovely mo- tives unless there Is abundant evidence that such was the intent, for otherwise they give too much comfort to our diplomatic enemies. Although the republicans have made our for. eign relations partisan matter, such ques- tions are really extra-national and beyond the three-mile limit to politics as defined by MT. Underwood.
 That MT. Hughes "is trying to effect tho same kind of peace Woodrow Wilson en- deavored to bring about at Paris" is the be- lief of the Brooklyn Eagle. The Eagle draws the distinction, however, that Mir. Wilson was willing for this nation to assume obligations to correspond with it's influence on interna- tional affairs, whereas MT. Hughes would evade logical obligations This is an acute observation, and has the further merit of &C., curacy. Says the Eagle: Certainly we can not impose terms upon the other nations without being party to them. And there is always the grave danger that the nations will refuse to be dictated to by an outsider. As full partner in the business we could. because of our strong world position, actu- ally dictate the right kind of peace. The self-righteous monitor attitude may seriously hamper peace and cause more trouble" This then appears to be the real basis of criticism, not that we have said what ws