The Republican journal., 1922-06-01
A WISE DECISION
his reply to the note inviting the
ID States to participate in the Genoa
renee Mr.. Hughes said:

MS ISUly " suS nVsS aA 'sssne sn~
ID States to participate in the Genoa
eeo renee Mr. Hughes said:
at is impossible to escape the conclu-
sion that the proposed conference il not
primarily an economic conference, as
questions seem to have been excluded
from consideration without the satisfac-
tory determination of which the chief
causes of economic disturbance must con-
tipue to operate, but is rather a confer
ence Of . political character in which the
government of the United States could
not helpfully participate.
ssThis government :. views with the
most friendly and eager interest every
step taken toward the restoration of eco
nomic conditions that will permit Russia
to regain her productive power, but these
conditions, in the view of this govern
ment, cannot be secured until adequate
action is taken on the part of those chief
ly responsible for Russia's present eco
nomic disorder"
The outcome of the conference has
shown that Mr.. Hughes is a man having a
sclear conception concerning European af-
fairs. From first to last the conference
was political affair. At no stage of its
proceedings did it pause to calmly con-
slider the economic difficulties which must
be overcome before any real progress can
be made towards lasting and normal
prosperity in Europe. Nobody went to
the conference for the benefit of Europe
as a whole, but each nation wanted to get
all the advantage possible for itself. Ger
many and all the allied countries wanted
the raw materials and the trade of Russia
and some of tbs N seemed ready to pay
for the same by recognition of the Red
regime But the whole situation changed
when it was known that Russia and Ger
many had negotiated a secret treaty.
Thereafter the conference became series
of secret consultations and semi-public
wrangles, and, not an hour too soon,' the
delegates shook the dust of Genoa from
their feet and went home, the Russians
defiant; the Germans grim and silent, and
the other nations in a somewhat dazed
condition of mind. Although the confer
ence seems to have been a failure it has
somewhat cleared the air. Great Britain
France, Belgium and Poland have learned
that Russia and Germany are deaf to tn,
wiles of diplomacy. They have shown
their intentions and the natio ti ST.
ern Europe must meet the situation will
action, not with words. They must holt
up their hands in submission or they mus
allow Russia to bluster and Germany t.
sulk until they have made further prog,
ress in stabilizing their respective cur
-encies, have otherwise improved eco.
.oomic conditions, and have formed al
alliance for the purpose of insuring theil
own safety and the peace of that part Of
the world Russia and Germany will theI
become humble, because they dare moi
fight such an alliance. They could be
starved into submission in less than q
year.
1t is proposed that another conference
shall be held at the Hague in few weeks
We fear that this, too. will fail unless al
lied Russis and Germany are brought face
to face with an alliance strong enough to
, bring them to terms, and, by force if nee.
essary, to compel them to keep whatever
promises they may make.