Evening journal., 1922-12-30
HUGHES PUTS
PREPARATIONS
WITH EXPERTS

] Congress TOR easier running term
for the 1000. O00. 900 allied deh
TO the United States. With the Eu
ropean economic structure re-estab
lished through this plan, this gov
ernment would give its approval 1
"a loan by private interests to Ger
many.
The Secretlry. who spoke befor'
the American Historical Association
said he had mo doubt die
tinguished Americans would b.
willing 10 serve on such a commits
sion, which he said might well b'
kept free from any responsibility
TO foreign offices or any duty TO obey
political instructions. Once advan'
tage had been taken Of the oppor.
tunities thus afforded, he said 'th'
avenue Of American helpfulnes'
cannot fail to open hopefully"
Throughout his discussion the
Secretary recognized that the ques-
tiOns of German reparations lay at
the root OF any economic settle
I msnt. The problems abroad, ne
said are world problems, and could
not be disposed OF "by calling them
European" lie declared the United
States would view with disfavor
measures which, instead Of prOduc-
Ing reparations would threaten dis
aster, and said no one could foresee
the serious consequences" which
might ensue II fOrcible means were
adopted to obtain reparatiOns from
Germany.
The text OF Mr. Hughes discus
sion OF economic problems follows
in part:
The economic conditions in Eu-
rope give us the greatest concern.
IL is fdle 10 say that we are not In
terested In these problems for we
are deeply interested from an econ
Omic standpoint We cannot dis
pose of these problems by calling
them European for they are world
problems.
They are. however, European
problems In the sense that they can
not he solved without the coIsent Of
European governments. We cannot
consent for them. The key to the
settlement is in their hands. not in
ours.
"The crux of the European situa-
tion lies in the settlement OF repara-
tions. There has been persistent
attempt ever since the armistice TO
Link up the debts owing TO our gov
eminent with reparstiODs or with
projects Of cancellation. This at
tempt was resisted in determined
manner under the former admins
tration and under the present ad-
ministration.
'The matter is plain enough from
our standpoint The capacity OF
Germany TO pay Is not at all affected
by any Indebtedness OF any OF the
Allies to us. That indebtedness does
not diminish Germanys capacity,
and its removal would not increase
her capacity.
. We have no desire to see Germany
Of her responsibility for the
war. or Of her just obligations to
make repa aration for the injuries due
10 her aggression. There is not the
slightest desire that France shall
lose any part OF her just claims. on
.he other hand We do not wish 10
see PROSTATE Germany
There can he no economic recuper- |
ltiOn In Europe unless Germany re
'uperates. There will be no per
peace unless economic satis-
factions are enjoyed There must /
be hope and Industry must have |
promise or reward II there is to he /
prosperity. We should view with I
iisfavor measures. which instead OF I
reducing rcparations would threaten /
disaster.
some or our own people have
suggested that the United States
should assume the role Of arbiter. /
There Is one sufficient answer to
his suggestion and that Is that we
have not been asked 10 assume the
role Of arbiter.
Il do not think that we should
'ndeavor to take such a burden or
responsibility.
The first condition Of salts
'actory settlement Is that the ques-
ion should he taken out OF politics.
'The alternative Of forcible meas
ires to obtain reparations is not an
attractive one.
II statesmen cannot agree and ex-
gencies Of public opinion make their
curse difilcult. then there should he
allied to their aid. those who can
'oint the way to n solution.
Why should they not invite men
4 the highest authority In finance
n their respective countries-men'of
uch prestige, experience and honor
hat their agreement upon the
mount to be paid, and upon a hnan-
ial plan for working out the pay
nents would be accepted through
nj the world as the most authOrita-i
i've expression obtainable? Govern
nents need not bind themselves In
dvance to accept the recommenda-
ions, but they can at least make
'Ossible such an inquiry with their
pproval.
Peoples would he Informed. the
uestion would he rescued from as
ertion and counter assertion and
he problem put upon its way to So
ution.
I do not believe that any general
difference would answer the pur-
ose better much less than any po-
Itical conference would accomplish
result which Premiers find II Inn
Ossible to reach.
Aside from the economic question,
Ar. Hughes devoted most OF his ad-
ress to a discussion of the results
Z the Washington Arms Conference.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS.
Three transfers OF rural real estate
ave been recorded in the office OF
he County Board Of Assessment. as