Evening star., 1922-01-01
Rate by Alail-Payable In Advance.
A Year of Promise.


A year of promise opens today
promise Of better things for all human
ity, Of better times for the American
people. The prospect for 1922 is one of
peace and understanding. Much prog
ress has been made in the closing
weeks Of 1921 toward agreements be-
tween the major nations that will
render war less likely and less terrible
if it should occur. The disappointment
felt by many at the close of the year
that complete success could not be
scored by the conference on the limita
tion Of armament before the New Year
Is softened by the reflection that these
great accomplishments are not speed
lily attained. Much will have been
gained even if the full program Of the
conference is not effected. If there are
latent elements Of contest between any
of the nations it is better that they be
brought into the open. No surer step
toward peace could be taken than by
the uncovering of suspicious. the ex'
preston of doubts, the exchange of
views. And 50 as 1922 opens it is with
a clearer atmosphere in which peace
can be seen more definitely than be-
fore, not the peace succeeding war,
but the peace Of agreement that per
sists and endures.
In the foreign field there remain
many troubles, economic. social and
political. Some of the peoples of the
earth are waging war. Some are suf-
fering terribly from the consequences
Of war. Despite the charitable en-.
deavors Of the American people Rus
sia is in a distressing plight through
famine and disease. Yet conditions
are improving. Even the political stu
alton in Russia grows better as So
vietism relapses from its extremes and
ment succeeds the tyranny of the pro-
letariat.
Despite the most tremendous diff
culties the wf.<ld has ever seen the
countries lately at war are regaining
their economic balance. Industry is
reyiving. The devastated regions are
being restored. Preparations problems
continue difficult, and failure Of pay
ments is predicted with possible evil
consequences. But this threat has
been passed before without i'll results
With every readjustment there has
come better condition. In Austria
alone is there no apparent progress to-
ward rehabilitation.
A little more than three years have
passed since the last shots were fired
In the war. Considering the magnitude
Of the catastrophe the recovery accom-.
plished in that period has been re-
markable. At the rate of the past
three years the year to come will
bring Europe close to normal status, If
ne disaster occurs.
In one respect particularly there is
reason for rejoicing at the benefits
gained for peace and betterment dur
Ing 1891. The agreement effected be-
tween England and Ireland. which it
is now claimed will be ratified by the
latter, as it has been already by the
former, will solve a problem that has
been q perennial source Of anxiety and
trouble for long period. The year
Just opening will probably witness
ANAL adjustment in that quarter that
will place Ireland in a position OF great
prosperity and happiness.
In this country return to normal
conditions has progressed during 1921
steadily with little interruption. Seri-
GUS Industrial conflicts have been
ayerted. The readjustments from the
wartime scales Of costs and wages
have been effected much more easily
than was feared. There remain some
rough places to be smoothed out, some
asperities to be softened. But the tide
of employment is rising. industry Is
thriving as it has not thrived for two
years past, and there is more content
ment throughout the country than a
year ago. The problems that remain
are all selvable by time and hard en-
deayor.
This year just beginning will wit.
ness the first political expression Of
the people since the great wave of No
vember, 1920, which carried into office
the republican party in record man.
ner. Politically this may prove a most
important year, possibly a year Of re-
action. During the next twelve
months, indeed, an interesting record
will be written.