Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-01-06
CROPPING FOR A LIFE PRE-.
SERVER

The allied nations, with the prob
lens Of the German reparations be-
fore them, are cropping for life pre-
server, having cut themselves from
the wreck Of the Paris conference.
The suggestions, recently made by
| Secretary Hughes for a commission
| Of business men representative of the
several countries interested, form the
most likely life preserver in sight,
but whether all will be willing to
to turn to it remains at this writing
to be seen.
1t will be recalled that he said the
alternative. forcible measure to COL
| lect the reparations sis not an attrac-
tive one" There is no doubt he had
given the subject careful study in the
light of information mu-h greater
than any in the general possession of
of the public.
| 1t appears the conference was
! wrecked on the difference of opinion
respecting the method for collecting
the reparations rather than upon any
question as to amount, although the
latter feature will probably be in
volved in any alternative arrange
ment. A feature the breakup
was the evident wish on the part of
all concerned to lend an air of friend
ference, but even so it will afford
some encoura cement to the Turks at
Lausanne, raise their expectations Of
breaking up Of of the allied effort
by means of which the war was won
but which has not been equal to the
task Of dividing the spoil and the
responsibilities.
In the hour of sacrifice and suffer-
ing, in the life and death struggle,
the cement Of the alliance held firmly
but fails in the ordeal of trying to en-
tighten selfishness and conform to the
clamor of the political arena. How to
agree to suitable terms and at the
same time retain popular support is
indeed a difficult undertaking. Lloyd
George was not equal to it and he
lasted longer than did any other of
the original leaders.
In such predicament, fearing
political effect on the one hand and
bound on the other by pledges given
to constituents, it would. seem but
natural for the leaders to turn to the
proposition of placing the matter
in the hands OF commission such
as that suggested by Secretary
Hughes. 1t would in some degree
serve as an opportunity for passing
the buck, and if that commission be
made up of men commanding the re-
spect of the countries from which
they may be designated their decision
ought to make for greater appeal to
the understanding Of their people
than perhaps any other which might
be made.
A member of such a commission
from the United States, for instance,
need convey no idea beyond that of
the good sense of his country IS
representative of those, especially
who would have to do in providing
ways and means for aiding so far as
| America would aid in financing the
! proposition. 1t does not seem neces-
| sary for the United States govern
ment to participate directly on the
reparations commission. AS a gov
crnment it Is not to share in the rep
arations. Anyhow, the Robinson bill
now before the Senate to authorize
! the President to appoint with the ad
vice and consent of the Senate a
member Of such a commission,
though under the terms Of peace the
President was to have the consent Of
Z.
CUT THIS QUIT is WORTH MONEY
| Cut out this slip, enclose with sc and