The Washington herald., 1922-08-09


succeed where many similar consultations
have failed The outlook is ideal for pessimism
All precedents of the past three years point to at
least partial failure for the latest effort reduce
the economic fever from which the continent lies
stricken. 1t is well enough to say that conditions
have come to such pass in Europe that something
definite must be done If the political fabric is to
be preserved. The situation is just stage
than it at The Hague, just two stages worse
than ct Genoa. The outlook grows blacker
every lay.
The trouble seems to be that the liberal and
Christian opinion of Europe finds scant oppor
tunity for expression. 1t has been the since
the Versailles gathering, where the original mis-
takes made, the original germs implanted of
the disease which threatens the life OF civilizations
That this liberal and Christian opinion will get a
more respectable hearing at London does not seem
probable. The statesmen have to England
with all their old prejudices all their old selfish
ness, all their old determinations for revenge.
They will try in vain to build the
quicksands Of Versailles. Eventually if any confer
is succeed. the old mistakes must be wiped
out and fresh start made.
Count Bismarck, who was a wise man-in his
day and generation despite most OF the present-day
propaganda against him. is reputed to have said.
he neared the end OF his long chancellorship;
"If Germany is victorious in another war
| will see to it that one of the terms of peace is
that Germany pay very heavy indemnity to the
defeated nation"
From such text. modified Of course to suit
present circumstances the allied statesmen might
build up successful policy for the recuperation Of
Europe.
When the victors met at Versailles the out
standing need was that the terms of peace be such
that there would be occasion for another war.
Oh course. national feelings high at this time
but the fact remained that Europe had just passed
through conflict which much a civil
as the struggle between American States half
tury before. If the could have been settled on
generous those accorded to the defeated
South much of the trouble which has developed
since would have been forestaed
What would be the condition of Europe now
ii the allies had said to the central powers: Go
and sin more?"
1t certainly would be worse than it is at
present and it might be much better. In the pres
ent circumstances there is every to expect
another war; unless some heroic measures are taken
before it is too late The punishment dealt out at
Versailles may not have been too great in consid
Grafton OF Germanys crimes-but the fact is undis-
pntabe that the Germans consider it too great. The
allies left their defeated enemies feverish with the
determination to get revenge as soon as they were
able instead OF setting them example in interna-
~tiona Christianity.
The Dean OF ST. Paul's, perhaps Britains fore
mos clergyman. summed up the situation very
well few Sundays ago when the London con-
ference first proposed. Since he preached in
this manner he has been branded traitor, etc.,
by number OF British patriotic organizations. But
the truth of his words not be challenged Said
the Dean 1--WE need not. now apportion the guilt
1t is citizens and civilized men that we all are
called to penitence. The war. while it lasted
seemed to to have been caused by the deliberate
wickedness OF abstract demon called Germany
AT the same time it must not be forgotten that the
Germans were persuaded equally that. similar alb
stract demons called Russia. France or England
were the criminals"
"rhe Germans not penitent" he continued
because we have given them no reason to be peni-
tent. If one OF pair of gamblers should win exact
full payment from the other. and then say: Now
will play for love for the rest of the evening"
do you think the proposal would find favor with
the other? The sentiment of that loser is Ger
manys sentiment"
1t is late in the day to talk about Ger
inany's failure to abide by the rules of military
sportsmanship
esShe has been given reason to think that the
allies have any higher rules in hunting human be-
ings with rifle. machine gun. liquid fire, poison gas
etc.
1t might have been dangerous for the allies to
have let Germany off lightly at Versailles There
was danger in the situation from any point of view
They certainly would not have as great a risk
as they did by implantrg the spirit of revenge
afresh in the hearts of the German people.
Count Bismarck, of course, spoke hguratively.
Bet :se actual fact remains that Europe would
>resaser more speedily if his philosophy was studied
seriously by the statesmen now at the conference
table in London.
|. is not question OF how much Germany can
pay or when she can pay it. 1t is question of
reaping the bountiful harvest of generosity to
defeated foe encountering for centuries the poison
Iettles OF determination for revenge