Evening star., 1925-12-06


Sentatives os Germany and her prin-
cipal antagonists during the World
War signed the Locarno peace trea-
iies--instruments which guarantee
apeace in Europe and the submission
Ito arbitration of any disputes which
may arise between the countries of
Europe.
= An Associated Press correspondent.
describing the ceremony last week.
points out its marked contrast to the
ceremony which marked the signing
six Years aGu of the Versailles treaty.
IN London last Week the ceremony
W.te simple. The Germans signed
gladly, their faces Wreathed in smiles.
NJ Versailles. six years ago. the cere-
monN took place in the midst Of great
~plendor but the German delegates.
appointed 10y the government, signed
the treaty with white faces. set lips,
their expressions registering i mix
turc OF fear and anger.
The countries represented III this
gathering last week, which probably
viii 80 down in history as one of the
most momentouS of the age. We're
Great Britain. France. Italy, Ger
many. Belgium. Poland and czecho
SlOVaiIia. All oil the delegates eN-
pressed sentiments OF gratifica ton
over the iiuai signing OF the pact.
Sunny Florida last week expert
cnced some OF the type OF publicity so
much resented in California. \ Sc
we're storm. accompanied by chilling
winds and rains. wrought havoc
around Tampa and in Miami. where
thousands OF tourists are assembled
from the North in the new-found
land of opportunity.'
thlle'S apparent unWillingness to
look on both sides of the question has
brought TO crisis the attempt by
commission headed by Gen John J
PerShinS to hold a plebiScite to deter
mine whether Tacna and africa be-
long to chile or Peru. Reports last
week hinted at the possibility that
chile, which is attacking Gen. Perish
ing : conduct Of the plebiSCite com
mission, may withdraw altogether and
refuse TO participate in the settle
ment. II is also indicated that Chile
way along. those interested in aviation
who is the arbitrator of the dispute.
While the court-martial of Col
William Mitchell drags its tedious
way along those interested in aviation
read with interest last week the re-
port submitted by the board appointed
iN President Coolidge to investi-
gate the status OF aviation in
Nt'E ''bitN'A E"tdltS~- 1t VIII 1htA re-
called that Ine board was appoint ed
and immediately began its investiga-
uun as sequel to the charges Col.
Mitchell made III his famous state
ment I" the uewspa pers. for the issu-
anC" Of which he is now being tried
by court martial.
The Presidents board pointed out
that neither side OF the aviation con
troNersy is wholly right or wholly
ON both sides. II went on record as
opposed 10 Il separate air force. but
suggested the appointment Of secre-
tdrleS In the War and Navy Depart
nlenfS who would control aviation
activities in those departments. 1t
showed that the United Safes is not
.s1n danger of attack from the air and
pointed out the comforting findings
that, in spite of some of the alarming
statements. aviation in the United
States is not going to the dogs"
The Mitchell trial is expected to
last until December 20. If 50, it will
have continued seven weeks.
The military directorship in Spain,
v hlch has been in force since the
overthrow Of the ministry in 1923,
was abolished last week and a civilian
cabinet appointed. As the govern
civilian cabinet is only nominal.
The Russian Soviet government
deals quickly and drastically with
those who would rob it. Six officials
Of the port of Leningrad were exc
cuted last week after ha "ing been
convicted Of misdppropriation Of loo
tons Of state merchandise valued at
more than 81 100000.
The Italian Cha amber OF Deputies
last week approved bill which EN-
powers the government TO revoke the
citizenship and confiscate the posses
sions of Italians living abroad whose
actions are interpreted as disturbing
the public order within the kingdom
or lowering its prestige among the
nations. Ii also passed the bill Civ
ing the prime minister virtually I'M
limited power and making him re-
sponSible only to the King.
Rumors that Secretary Of the Navy
Wilbur would resign have been put
at rest for the time being by his dec
lima ton last week OF an offer from
Gov. Richardson of California to take
reappOintment as chief justice Of the
california Supreme Court. Despite
The numerous criticisms which have
been directed at Secretary Wilbur
lately, il is understood that be likes
he position Of Secretary Of the Navy
and intends to keep it.
Prohibition enforcement is coming
Into the limelight in an interesting
way on the eve OF the convening of
Congress. During the last week
Washington has been the meeting
place for several dry" organizations
who have agreed, in general, that
prohibition enforcement is not what
il should be, but when one of them
attempted to place the responsibility
at the door of the White House.
others jumped to the defense of the
President and started a row within
their own camp. In the meantime, the
vets" are mastering for a general
advance on Washington in january
when they intend to hammer on the
doors of Congress with their pleas
that prohibition has failed. While
the legislators, as usual, are divided
on the subject. the Government prohi-
bition forces under the direction of
Gen. Lincoln G. Andrews, have
brought about a Wholesale reorsani-
zatjon of the machinery for the en-
forcement Of prohibition, designed to
remedy, in some respects. the faults
found in the system by both the
"wets" and the "drys.
Eo1-o,:o