San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1924-04-13
BY A. G. GARDINER.

BY A. u. GARDINER.
Copyright. 1924. by Consol. Press Assn.
London, April 12.-lt is generally
agreed that the publication of the ex-
perts' report creates a new situation
in Europe.
For the first time it brings the
problem of settlement out of the
realm Of mere arbitrary assertion to
the plane of ascertained fact and prac-
teal adjustment. This stage was
long overdue.
In common with every other dis
interested observer of events. the
writer has long urged a business-like
assessment of the case, but French
politico-military aims have been 4
fatal barrier and Premier Poincare's
destruction Of the bankers conference
In Paris two years ago was the most
disastrous event since the war. Now
the experts report gives an opportun-
ity for new start.
Restore Economis Freedom.
Opinion here inclines to the view
that the commissions estimate OF
what Germany can pay is reasonable
and practical. on one condition and
that is that Germany's economic free
dom is restored. The experts were
emphatic on this point. The whole
scheme they propose is dependent or
the willingness of France to lift it.
stranglehold in the Ruhr which it.
acceptance of the experts report in
/ dicates she now is willing TO do.
Feeling in this country is hopeful
for final settlement but not con
fident. Much depends on the imminen
elections in France and Germany
The writer's information from Ger
many points strongly TO a movemen
to the right. A wave of nationalisn
is sweeping over the country aud vii
be reflected in the elections. This il
the inevitable reaction against tn,
Ruhr policy which, so far from dis
rupting Germany. is tending to con
solidate on a nationalistic basis. Thu
the roaring nationalist lion OF on,
country is answered BY the roaring
nationalist lion of another.
| This changing spirit in German!
is natural enough in the circumstance
| end may have reactions on the Frcncl
elections, which now are expected (,
go decisively in favor of NJ. Poincar,
who will return with free hand.
Must Withdraw Army.
The experts confirm the attitud,
of successive British governments oi
the subject of the Ruhr invasion ant
the necessity Of cancelling that polio!
as chief condition of ever restorin;
peace or obtaining reparations. Their
is much criticism of the fact that tn,
report. while proposing economic with
drawal, seems to contemplate continu
ance of military occupation of thu
Ruhr. The experts doubtless consid
cred the subject outside of their pur
view. but it is certain that no endur
| ing settlement is conceivable withou
removal of the French army from thu
Ruhr.
BY the sudden and unexpected nc
| ceptance of the report by all the AL
lies. Prime Minister Macdonald es
capes for the moment the test L
which his craftsmanship would hav'
been put if France had hesitated. HI
may yet become a leading figure il
| the situation in event there is I,
| tons.
MuCbCtfdfu Dufutu TftdNy.
In the meantime Mr.. Macdonald il
laboring under heavy burden a
home and his government founders
along in an unseaworthy condition
He is only kept in office by the fac
that neither of the other parties wanr'
TO succeed to such an uncomfortable
inheritance. He suffered a serious
defeat this week in the proposal thai
the employed should live rent-fre,
while unemployed. Moreover, the in
ternal condition of the government il
very shaky.
There is much rivalry between trade
union and socialist elements and tn,
relations between Mr.. Macdonald ant
Philip Snowden, chancellor of the
exchequer, are known to be strained
John Maynard Clynes has failed con.
spicuously as leader of the House and
it is expected that ]. II. Thomas will
succeed him in order to tighten Mr.
MacDonald's burden.
Mr.. Thomas was formerly secretary
of the railwaymen's union and has
proved To be the most ready debater
and tactieian in the government.