, 1923-03-08

How it be reasonably denied
that France is within its rights? At
the close of war we all agreed that
Germany would not pay unless
forced to pay. She has successfully
evaded money reparations, and. be-
lieving that she has England's en-
enlargement, is trying to dodge coal
n wood deliveries. That was the
situation when France decided to
force Germany to come through"
We should not forget what France
has suffered. what destruction Ger
many wantonly wrought in northern
France. 1t should not be forgotten
that within the memory of French
men and women yet vigorous French
soil has been twice under the iron
German armies.
The Spokesman Review"
Portland, Oregon.
A Just Demand at A Great Risk
"Oregonian" considers French de-
mand Just, but doubts success Of
French method Of collection, while
risk OF provoking new war is great.
Ex-service men and community gen.
orally justified France and condemn
German evasion of payment, but
10 " u %.
Sentiment generally is irritation at
the situation, for which all nations
concerned are held responsible, and
the probable necessity that United
States must intervene to prevent
new war and restore Europe.
"The Oregonian."
Compelled to Act Because Left to
Act Alone
Salem, Oregon.
l believe France is justified in in
vadlng the Ruhr. because 1 do not
believe Germany is paying to the full
extent of her capacity. In my opin-
ion. France is compelled to go into
German territory in self-protection-
a step hat would not have been
necessary had America not deserted
the Allies on the Versailles Treaty
and Franco = British = American AL
lance. Adjutant-General White, of
Oregon. informs me that the service
men are with France, that they have
forgotten neither the wounds of war
nor the distressed conditions Of
France as a result of German fright
fulness. There is considerable diff
ference of opinion in the State at
large as to whether France is pur-
suing a policy Of unwarranted mill
fancy or Germany is evading her re-
sponsibility under the treaty.
Walter NJ. Pierce,
Governor OF Oregon.
Correct knowledge Of Public Opinion
Unknown
Boise. Idaho.
Unable to give sentiment OF people
here generally regarding French
seizure of Ruhr district in Germany.
Has been little public expression on
matter in this state, partly. I believe,
because Of feeling that real condi-
lions are unknown. Impossible at
this time to secure correct opinion
of the majority Of citizens of this
state on the question.
C. C. Moore,
Governor OF Idaho.
A Missed Opportunity
Boise. Idaho.
The invasion OF the Ruhr district
means tina Europe has missed an OPP
tunity to establish peace. The
Statesman" said e~ditorially, jan
uary ~, under the caption "They
Are So Blind" the following: "Our
boys have been withdrawn from
Rhineland. Our Senators have been
asking why they were there. Was
1t not for a hope. a vain hope per-
haps, that while Old Glory was fly
Ing from the towers Of Ehrenbreit-
stein Europe could jump ahead a
couple of generations in the realixa-
ton of ideals OF human sympathy
and bring into power a statesman
with a heart OF Lincoln? We hoped
in vain. the flag would be an In
aspiration. But Europe has had the
devastation Of war. and now, APP
parently, it will continue the devas-
tation OF peace"
Idaho Statesman"
Toe Far
Phoenix. Arizona.
IN reply to your telegram asking
opinion on French seizure of Ruhr
district. / am unable to give you the