Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-08-12
GRAcES AND COMPLIMENTS
CONCLUDE A GREAT WAR
Mr.. Hughes Silken Diplomacy Bears
and Claims Commission Framed

piece to that memorable engagement in
which each of the adversaries invited the
other TO shoot first is now furnished by the
atfabIe understanding, whereby the war
claims Of the United States against Ger
many are to bc adiudicated.
Th" agreement, signed in Berlin on Thurs.
day, provides for mixed commission in
which each of the Governments concerned
shall have one representative. Such an ar
rangement constitutes n gracious admission
on the part of n victor in titanic conflict
that the vanquished possess rights warrant
ing respect
Tho American move was not obligatory
Indeed. Senator Underwood and some of his
fellow legislators lately have opposed Ger
man participation in fixing the terms Of n
settlement and have been supporting n bill
providing for the use of property in the
hands of the Alien Property Custodian to
indemnify this Government and its citizens
for war losses
Mr.. Hughes has rejected this harsh
method of liquidating a debt in favor of a
gallantry which has elected an immediate
response from a former foe. Not to be out
done in elegant amenities, Chancellor Wirth
under the plan to arbitrate differences be-
tween the plenipotenttaries shall be an
American appointed by the President of the
United States The mixed commission thus
becomes one in which the American weight
of opinion will overwhelmingly predominate.
Mr.. Hughes, the recesses OF whose diplo-
matte mind are usually veilcd from the
vulgar gaze until some decisive outward
event affords an inkl!ng OF his preconcep
tions, was possibly aware that Germany
would accord to this country two third
influence in solving the claims problem.
The convention. however, merely states
that the two Governments shall. by agree
mcnt. select an umpire" Thus for an in
stant, the polite fiction that a neutral
arbiter could be chosen was respected, and,
Herewith. German scnSibilitics
Chancellor Wrth is enabled to make n
gesture of generosity for which the Govern
ment Of the United States is privileged to
express its gratitude. AS an exhibition Of
diplomatic urbanity the scene is superb.
The German Government believes that
the distrust of nations toward one another,
brought about by war, and the severe
economic damages which 1t caused to all
countries concerned can be most certainly
done away with If these countries decide to
approach the solution Of the questions which
have arisen between them as a consequence
of the war in a generous manner and in the
Spirit of mutual accommodation. The
German Government welcomes the fact that
the American Government intends to take
~
Honey -tonSu"d phrases, It may be seen,
abound Americans who may be moved 70
contrast their employment with the verbal
bludgeonings in the early months OF 1917
may be inclined To detect a practical reason
! for these compliments.
II is needless, however, to press the
inquiry. As the situation stands today,
| Germany. in prospect OutvOted in the COM
| mission, will probably be compelled to COM
! pensatr this Government and its nationals
! just as heavily as might have been the case
| had the more brutal procedure urged by Mr..
| Underwood been adopted.
Mr.. Hughes retains the upper hand and
ostcnsible Chivalry prevails such as is unique
in the aftermath Of a violent and bitterly
waged armed conflict.
That Congress, under the separate treaty
with Germany, signed on August -, 1921 ,
enjoys the right 10 deal with the question
of claims when the amount has been de-
tcrmined has been admitted by Mr.. Hughes
in his letter to the judiciary Committee
which had the Underwood bill under con-
sideration.
The crucial problem, however, Is the sum
10 be paid and It is this matter which the
Secretary of state has taken such subtle
steps to clarity. In all probability indie :
nendcnt congressional initiative will give
wav to Mr.. Hughes slkcn diplomacy.
The commission. which will meet within
two months, will deal not only with
componsation for American losses on the
Imsitania. but with multfarious claims
arising from other depreiatIons Mt sea
damages Of many kinds, property seizures
and abuses suffered both by the Govern
ment and by private citizens. Justice Day
who has been appointed umpire by Presi-
dent Harding, will occupy a position OF
exceptional authority for which his expert
onces on tho Supreme Bench, as Secretary
of State under Mckinley and as chairman
of the Peace Commission in Paris which
ended the Spanish American War admirably
equip him,
Opinions concerning the amount which
Germany will be compelled to pay vars
greatly. Few of the claimants have been
o,ys, tome by modesty, a circumstance which
wJl necessitate "A scrupulous sitting OF
| 9sdence :,
| IT has been sSid that the total sum viii